"Breaking News: Preakness Favorite Muth Out Due to Fever!"
This shocking update has left fans and racing enthusiasts stunned. Muth was a top contender, and his withdrawal has dramatically changed the dynamics of the upcoming race. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of Muth's condition, how it affects the race, and what this means for other competitors.
Preakness Favorite Muth Falls Ill, Withdrawn from Triple Crown Race
The absence of Bob Baffert's horse could benefit Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. Muth, ridden by jockey Juan Hernandez, wins the Grade I, $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes horse race at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., in October. Benoit Photo via AP
The Associated Press By The Associated Press
BALTIMORE — Preakness favorite Muth has been ruled out of the race after developing a fever, potentially giving Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan an easier path through the second leg of the Triple Crown.
The Maryland Jockey Club announced Muth’s status change Wednesday morning, about 12 hours after the horse arrived at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Baffert said Muth’s temperature reached 103 degrees, so they had to withdraw him. A horse's body temperature should be at or below 101.5 degrees.
“We are very upset about this. The horse had been doing very well,” Baffert said. “But we have to do what’s best for the horse.”
Muth was one of two horses entered for Baffert, a Hall of Famer and two-time Triple Crown winner who is still expected to race Imagination as part of what’s now a field of eight.
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Baffert has won the Preakness a record eight times, including last year with National Treasure.
Baffert was not expected to arrive until Thursday, though assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes traveled with the horses on their flight to Newark, New Jersey, and then drove to Maryland.
Barnes said little outside their stalls earlier Wednesday other than that Muth and Imagination had not been out to the track yet and just walked around the barn since being unloaded.
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