Preakness for Crossbones?

Crossbones, the 3yo colt by Nightwing out of In Spirit, will skip the Preakness even after racing to a strong 3rd place finish in the Kentucky Derby.  The bay colt has fashioned a career record of 8-2-1-3 thus far with earnings of $730,000.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Otsego owner Jim Webber confessed, "I screwed up.  No question about that.  I wasn't thinking of Crossbones as a Triple Crown candidate so I entered him in the Wood, just 19 days prior to the Derby.  After winning that race, I felt he deserved a shot and was happy with the result."

Crossbones finished 3rd in the Kentucky Derby behind the winner Isca's Dawn, filly from Smokey's Stable and colt Mongoose from Oak Tree.

"However, the 14-day turnaround to the Preakness is just too quick for where Crossbones is at physically right now.  Therefore, he'll skip the Preakness and begin training immediately for the Belmont.  Questions?"

After his performance in the Wood, did you think Crossbones could win the Derby?  "He's a talented horse and I knew he's be in the mix, but I wasn't really expecting a win."

Do you feel like you're shortchanging Otsego Farms by not continuing along the Triple Crown path?  "No.  If he'd won the Derby, I would have thrown caution to the wind and entered the Preakness.  That didn't happen so I can afford to take a more realistic approach."

Can Crossbones win the Belmont?  "Yes.  I think his speed/stamina ratio favors the 12F race.  He'll be there and I'm sure he'll do well."

"No more questions guys.  I've gotta get to the airport and get the jet ready to take a guest home that I've had for the weekend."

Camera's flashed as Webber left the room while reporters yelled out, "Where are you going?"

As security escorted him from the room, Webber looked over his shoulder and said, "London."