Trainer Doug O’Neill thinks Calumet Farm’s Robusta will have some things going for him in the Preakness Stakes (G1) May 16 at Laurel Park.
“He’s got speed, he’s got stamina, he’s got class,” O’Neill said. “If things go his way, he can be a factor. If all goes well, we’re hoping to see it Preakness Day.”
Things didn’t go Robusta’s way May 2 at Churchill Downs, where he experienced bumping at the start of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and a wide trip to finish 14th. The son of Accelerate has subsequently shown his trainer that he’s ready to run back in the Preakness.
“He didn’t break all that well [in the Derby] and he got into some trouble early, but he came out of the race in great shape,” O’Neill said. “Talking to the ownership group we just decided that we’d come in and take a shot at the Preakness.”
Robusta, who had finished second in the San Felipe (G2) and seventh in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) prior to the Derby, is training for the Preakness at Keeneland.
“He came into Keeneland in great shape,” O’Neill said. “He trains like a monster and we just thought that he was doing good.”
O’Neill celebrated a Preakness victory in 2012 with Reddam Racing LLC’s I’ll Have Another.
“It’s such an historic race, Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.,” said O’Neill, who also saddled Reddam Racing LLC’s Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist for a third-place finish in the 2016 Preakness. “Obviously, it’s a unique situation this year being at Laurel Park, but all that stuff is a good addition to an exciting afternoon and we’re optimistic that we can see it through.”
Robusta, who will be ridden Saturday by Rafael Bejarano, is scheduled to ship from Keeneland to Laurel Park Tuesday. O’Neill will arrive next Friday.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
