Caldera, Instant Replay Meet Again in Bathhouse Row

Official Kentucky Derby (G1) preps have concluded this spring, but not those for horses under consideration for the second leg of the Triple Crown: the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course. Two 1 1/8-mile dirt stakes April 19, the $150,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park and the $200,000 Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Park, provide their Triple Crown-nominated winners with automatic entry into the $2 million Preakness in four weeks. Fittingly, last year's Preakness-winning trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, has a starter in the Bathhouse Row in MyRacehorse's Caldera. A maiden winner at Oaklawn Park and a close runner-up in the Feb. 16 Sunland Park Derby, Caldera will attempt to rebound from a poor showing when eighth in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. After stumbling at the start under Tyler Gaffalione, he raced in midpack before weakening to finish 36 lengths behind Tiztastic. The gray and/or roan son of Liam's Map is reunited Saturday with jockey Rafael Bejarano, who was aboard for his maiden win at Oaklawn Park and second-place finish in the Sunland Park Derby. The anticipated favorite in the Bathhouse Row is Gary and Mary West's Instant Replay, who rallied for third in the Louisiana Derby. Flavien Prat rides the Brad Cox-trained late developer, who was a five-length allowance optional claiming winner in his Feb. 17 start that preceded the Louisiana Derby. Hymn and Tiz Secure are other leading contenders in the seven-horse field.