Another Gelding Straps on the Saddle

Gentlemen, strap on your saddles. Another gelding's in the race! TERRAIN's not won lately, however he has made a respectable living, earning over $500,000 for his owner, philanthropist Adele Dilschneider, whose grandfather, John Olin, bred and owned the great CANNONADE, winner of the 100th Kentucky Derby in 1974.

Triple Crown promise TERRAIN's pedigree includes his grandsire, PULPIT -- son of 1992 Belmont Winner A.P. INDY -- who retired after he finished fourth in the 1997 Derby despite injuring his knee. TERRAIN's damsire is 2nd place Derby finisher, FORTY NINER (who lost to the great filly WINNING COLORS).

His jockey is 2001 Eclipse apprentice winner Jeremy Rose, a Pennsylvania native who has worked his way up through the ranks and won over 1000 races in 4 years to garner a lotta love from the Thoroughbred owners and trainers. Rose is no stranger to Pimlico, and rode AFLEET ALEX to victory in the 2005 Preakness.

TERRAIN will give trainer Al Stall Jr.'s his first Preakness entry -- or any other Triple Crown race. Stall's charge hasn't raced since he finished 4th at Keeneland in April's Grade I Blue Grass Stakes, nor has he won since September 2008, when he was placed first through disqualification, but at odds of 30-1, the son of Sky Mesa has been mixing it up with all the big shots and up to now, and from the looks of things, he's not likely to stop any time soon.

Rose and agent Kid Breeden are no strangers to long-shot runners in the Preakness. After their victory in 2005, they were back in the saddle on Hemingway's Key in 2006 and on Icabad Crane in 2008. Both went off at high odds and both horses claimed the show money.

Bless his heart, BIG DRAMA he caught a big ol' winter virus earlier this year, and I bet he wished he could have some of that sneezy achy fever so you can get some rest medicine, but eventually the mild fever subsided and then he ran two more races showing in the Louisiana Derby and came from 10 horse in line to 4th in the Blue Grass Stakes, which was won heroically by GENERAL QUARTERS.

Pray for Peace in the Preakness, y'all,
Kimmy

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