McPeek Still Deciding Whether Swiss Skydiver Will Start In Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes

Swiss Skydiver works at Churchill Downs on Sept. 19

Trainer Ken McPeek has heard the news about Tiz the Law’s connections deciding to skip the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes, but told the Daily Racing Form on Tuesday that he has not yet decided whether his stable’s star filly, Kentucky Oaks runner-up Swiss Skydiver, will head to Pimlico.

“The filly has had a really good week,” McPeek told the Daily Racing Form. “There’s no need to make any kind of decision just yet. Let’s see how she works Saturday and we’ll go from there.”

Swiss Skydiver, a 3-year-old daughter of Daredevil, first faced males earlier this summer in the G2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. She finished second in the July 11 contest, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by fellow Preakness hopeful Art Collector. Since then, Swiss Skydiver posted a 3 1/2-length victory in the G1 Alabama and finished second in the Kentucky Oaks to Shedaresthedevil, beaten 1 1/2 lengths at Churchill.

McPeek said the filly will breeze at Churchill on Saturday, and expects to announce a final decision on Monday.

Other likely Preakness contenders include: Art Collector, Authentic, Mr. Big News, Pneumatic, Thousand Words, Liveyourbeastlife, and Jesus’ Team. Potential entries include Mystic Guide, Dr Post, and Happy Saver.