NYRA announced Saturday that ‘TDN Rising Star’ GISP River Thames (Maclean’s Music) completed a half-mile workout in :48.25 (9/37) over the Belmont Park training track in preparation for the GI Preakness Stakes on May 17 at Pimlico.
The New York-bred worked in company with MSP Trust Fund (Practical Joke), beginning outside his workmate before finishing at least a length ahead along the rail. Exercise rider Fernando Rivera was aboard for the move.
“He went very well, in hand throughout,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, who timed the gallop out in 1:01 and 1:15. “He put in a nice half-mile in 48 [seconds] and change. He galloped out around the turn strongly and looked good. They followed the instructions perfectly.”
Pletcher expressed satisfaction with River Thames’s condition heading into the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
“He has bounced out of the Blue Grass well. He has been training consistently here. He has put on a few pounds, so we are happy with the way he is coming into [The Preakness],” Pletcher noted.
A victory would give Pletcher his first Preakness win to complement his two Kentucky Derby and four Belmont Stakes triumphs.
“I’d love to check that box, we will give it a try,” the trainer said.
## Gosger Gets Green Light for Preakness After Keeneland Work
Gosger (Nyquist) has been confirmed for the Preakness Stakes following an impressive five-furlong workout at Keeneland Saturday morning.
The grey colt, carrying the colors of the late Harvey A. Clarke, breezed in company with Godolphin’s Paris Lily (City of Light) — who targets Friday’s GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. The pair completed five furlongs in 1:00.60, the fastest of 14 works at that distance.
“He worked really well,” trainer Brendan Walsh said. “He worked good; so, we’re a go. I think he’s ready to take a step forward again off the last race.”
Gosger will attempt to collect his third consecutive victory after winning the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes on April 12 at Keeneland. Walsh seeks his first Preakness win with this entry.
## Heart of Honor Set for Earlier Quarantine Release
G2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) will clear quarantine at Churchill Downs Sunday, earlier than initially scheduled. The colt will van to Pimlico Monday and make his first appearance on track Tuesday.
Trainer Jamie Osborne previously confirmed his daughter Saffie Osborne will have the Preakness mount. While Osborne has successfully campaigned UAE Derby veterans in the United States before, a Triple Crown trail victory would mark a first for Heart of Honor’s connections.
