Trainer Doug O'Neill is enthusiastic about Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another's chances when the colt goes for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.
“I'm just very pumped by the way our colt is settling in and training,” O'Neill said. “I really look for him to repeat in the Preakness.
"He came out of the Derby in incredible shape, so he has been able to maintain his energy, his appetite.
“He's a phenomenal horse, obviously. You don't win the Derby unless you are a phenomenal horse."Team O'Neill shipped I'll Have Another from Churchill Downs to Pimlico two days after his Derby victory.
O'Neill said he is pleased he decided to break the form of recent Derby-winning trainers and ship to Pimlico as early as possible. .“Churchill was kind of a zoo," he said. "Right now it almost feels like we're at a training center, it's such a quiet, nice environment.
"I think it's been a huge help, after the chaotic Derby week, to have a nice, mellow few days here.
"To have this little breather has been beautiful.”
“No matter what happens, I feel 100 percent certain that we made the right call,” O'Neill said.
"The way he has settled in here and continued his energy is incredible. Today after schooling he was bucking and playing going back home. He looks and feels as good as he ever has.”
O'Neill sent the colt out for a brisk gallop on May 12 and then schooled him in Pimlico's indoor paddock.
