The whole premise of nostalgia is irretrievability: the yearning for a time or place that can't be revisited. (Very often, perhaps, because it never existed in the first place.) This morbidity is suggested in the Greek stems of the word: nostos, homecoming, and algos, pain or distress. Unfortunately, while the first of these is doomed to remain notional, the second can even be national. It spills over into the here and now, corroding the happiness not just of individuals but whole societies. All round the world, we see populists promising to renew some golden age by restoring lapsed imperial or demographic boundaries.

But that observation obliges me to ask myself whether I'm doing anything so very different, in stubbornly resisting the groundswell towards Triple Crown reform?

With a solitary Kentucky Derby runner deigning to line up for the second leg of the series, for the first time since the current schedule was adopted in 1969, many whose opinions I respect appear to be accepting that there is no longer any point trying to turn back the side. They look at the seven runners in the GI Preakness S. on Saturday, and say the time has come to yield principle to pragmatism.

Well, they may be right. But first, I have a couple of questions. One is exactly where we can find this putative engagement with a disaffected wider public? Is it from having more competitive Triple Crown races, or is it from the romance of the quest itself?

Mage, Pimlico Race Course | Horsephotos

For a long time, during the drought between Affirmed and American Pharoah, we were told (despite several extremely close misses) that the assignment lay beyond the modern Thoroughbred and that we were duly squandering our best chance of engaging fan attention. On that basis, however, the defection of so many rivals clearly only enhances the prospects of Mage (Good Magic) heading to Belmont with a Triple Crown within reach. If that is supposed the grail of publicity, pricelessly combining heritage and accessibility, then does anyone imagine that casual viewers will tune out because the Preakness field lacked triple-figure Beyers?

But maybe the whole premise is wrong anyhow. If the Triple Crown is the best way of stemming our sport's drift from mainstream affections, then how do we assess the impact of the two we have saluted as recently as 2015 and 2018? While unanswerably demonstrating that the current schedule remains perfectly within the competence of the 21st Century Thoroughbred, American Pharoah and Justify hardly reversed the slide. As should be painfully obvious by now, we must address far more serious and challenging deficiencies in the way we present ourselves to a changing world.

Not that we can afford complacency in the audience we already have: the people, that is, who know enough about our arcane world to be dismayed by the lack of both quality and quantity in the field awaiting Mage at Pimlico. When so many indices are spiraling down, retention must be a still bigger priority than expansion. But a Triple Crown extended into July–which, in itself, might well stretch the fickle attention of a casual sports fan–could prove disastrous for other cherished races of high summer, especially now that horses are supposed to need a break before regrouping for a Breeders' Cup prep.

It is, as we know, the trainers who are driving this whole agenda. They have either seen or for some reason decided that horses today cannot soak up the kind of campaign that once allowed breeders a reliable measure of the kind of genetic resources they could aspire to replicate. The incidental benefit of this approach, of course, was precisely the fan engagement we have forfeited in protecting horses not only from competition but also from visibility.

The trainers have given the industry a choice. Either we concede that commercial breeding must be producing a Thoroughbred lacking the physical resources of its predecessors; or we candidly take issue with the trainers, and employ people who will explore the capacity of their charges more thoroughly. In both cases, however, the solution is in our own hands. What we are seeing in the Triple Crown series is a symptom of the problem, not the cause.

If it's about the physical caliber of the horses we are producing, then that obviously ties into another and far more serious challenge. If modern horses can't race twice under the same moon, or even stand up to federal regulation, then surely, we need to address the crazy situation where breeding for the sales ring has somehow become different from breeding a runner.

If it's simply the trainers that are wrong, however, then there are also things we can do about it. And that's not just because D. Wayne Lukas is still doing his thing at 87. I've regularly cited the example of another old master, Jim Bolger, just a couple of years ago running Poetic Flare (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) in three Classics in 22 days, before winning at Royal Ascot barely three weeks later; and, as often, deplored how only the Japanese could find a place for this horse at stud. But Bolger was also the mentor of Aidan O'Brien, who has himself frequently taken a similar approach. (One of my favorite instances was Peeping Fawn (Danehill). She was placed in a Classic 11 days after breaking her maiden at the fourth attempt; and then ran second in another, over an extra half-mile, five days after that. That experience so damaged her that she proceeded to four Group 1 wins inside eight weeks.)

Good Magic | Sarah Andrew

To me, it looks as though Bolger and O'Brien both believe that a thriving horse has a window of opportunity. And, on that basis, it may actually prove harder to maintain a Derby winner at the same peak for a Belmont in July than with the present calendar.

Most American trainers today evidently disagree. And look, I accept that times change. Mage himself, a horse we hadn't heard of 10 minutes ago, is a Derby winner for our times. He has a different scenario to tackle this time, and shouldn't give a start to one working as briskly as National Treasure (Quality Road). Even in this small field there are some pretty legitimate horses, and it's certainly an incredible achievement for Good Magic's first crop to yield three of seven starters in a Classic.

According to the behavior of trainers, it should be nearly inevitable that a raw colt like Mage regresses from his effort two weeks ago. If he happened to do that, however, it's a fair bet that whichever “mediocre” horse (not my view, I stress) took advantage could still be rewarded with 200 mares at stud next spring. Suffice to say that we have a lot of other stuff to sort out before we start scapegoating an anachronistic Triple Crown.

Good luck to Mage. He has a ton of talent. Who knows? Maybe he will prove the last Triple Crown winner over five weeks–and the last, therefore, who can validly claim parity with the previous 13. And then, when these elusive young fans become as old and grumpy as me, he may even be the stuff of nostalgia.

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The tone was noticeably less tense and in-person attendance was diminished during the MRC's regular monthly meeting at Laurel May 2. Those dynamics stood in contrast to when the commission met one week previously on Apr. 25 for an emergency session to address five recent main-track equine fatalities at Laurel, including two that occurred there Apr. 20.

Last week, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) and the management team at 1/ST Racing announced an “access agreement” that allowed for the MTHA's preferred track maintenance consultant, John Passero, to be retained to perform testing. Passero used to be the MJC's superintendent several decades ago, and the horsemen had previously lobbied for his inclusion as a consultant during the winter of 2021-22, which was when the last significant spate of equine deaths occurred over the Laurel dirt.

On Tuesday, Rogers said track executives and the horsemen “definitely appear to be on the same page right now…. Clearly, both sides are feeling that the track is in [such] a safe place that horses are able to run on it. I think Mr. Passero's quote said, 'If I owned a horse, I'd have no issues racing it.'”

Rogers acknowledged the two sides initially had differences: “Our group took the position that we felt the track was safe,” he said. “I know the horsemen took a different position. So we allowed an access agreement with Mr. Passero to come to the track. So Mr. Passero came on the grounds, and he recommended a couple of tweaks–slowing the tractors down; I think he had them go the opposite way in one direction, which I think our gentlemen were actually doing already anyways.

“But I think he increased the number of times that they go in reverse around the course. So it was kind of little tweaks of the harrows. We were kind of using what's called drag harrows in the morning and position harrows in the afternoon. And Mr. Passero recommended that we stay with the drag harrows in the morning and afternoon. So a couple of little tweaks here and there, and our crew felt that his recommendations made sense and we adopted them.”

In response to a question from a commissioner, Rogers confirmed that the work was being conducted over the entirety of the track and was not confined to a single problem area. He also said that 1/ST Racing hasn't nixed a single one of Passero's ideas.

“As of now, none of [Passero's] recommendations were a cause for concern on our side,” Rogers said. “As of right now, we've adopted all of his recommendations [and] we recognize that he has a lot of experience.”

Unlike last week's meeting at which several horsemen's representatives spoke about the situation, none were called upon to speak by the MRC and none asked to speak during public commentary.

In response to another MRC question, Rogers said Passero's work would not extend to Pimlico for the upcoming GI Preakness S. meet there May 11-29.

“His access agreement runs [until] June 30, and the access agreement is for Laurel only,” Rogers said.

Laurel's main track was closed for five months in 2021 for an emergency rebuild from the base up. But eight horses died from fractures while racing or training over that new track between Oct. 3 and Nov. 28, 2021, leading to weeks-long halts in racing through early the winter of 2022.

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More than 200 works of original art, created by artists throughout the country, will be on display at www.preakness.com/the-art-of-racing for two weeks beginning Monday, Mar. 13, after which the top 10 vote-earners will advance to the finalist category. The winning piece will then be selected by a panel of judges representing the artistic, business, philanthropic and political communities that support Park Heights's indispensable role as the home of Preakness 148. This year's 204 entries surpass the 2022 inaugural year by nearly 40%.

The gallery of art at the Art of Racing website represents the work of artists–from Maryland as well as from 18 other states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin–who have been inspired by the beauty of Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. Descriptions and inspirations in the words of the artists are also available for public view at the website.

The winning artwork of The Art of Racing will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness merchandise, the proceeds of which will be used to support the activities of Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities and pursues affordable housing for members of the Park Heights community.

The second annual The Art of Racing represents 1/ST and the Maryland Jockey Club's partnership with the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Many of the submissions were produced by students in four of MICA's art and design classes.

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The art competition commemorates the second jewel of the Triple Crown Series and its impact on Baltimore, as artists are invited to create and submit original, two-dimensional visual art depicting the unique elements of Thoroughbred horse racing and the Preakness Stakes. Last year's program drew nearly 150 entries and included an open voting phase, during which the public was invited to visit the aforementioned site to cast their vote for their favorite work of art. This year's voting range will be from Mar. 13 to Mar. 27. The top 10 selections will be entered into the finalist category with the winning piece being selected by a panel of judges.

The winning artist of the second-annual competition will be awarded a $4,000 stipend and two tickets to Preakness 148 on May 20, 2023. In addition, their work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 148 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from merchandise sales will, once again, be directed to the Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization pursuing employment opportunities and affordable housing for Park Heights residents.

“The artwork featured during last year's inaugural competition was exceptional,” said David Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, 1/ST. “Artists shared their interpretations of the thrill of victory, the heartbreak of defeat and the vibrant crowds of Thoroughbred horse racing fans coalescing each unforgettable year in the Preakness Stakes.”

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“I've been thinking about it the last couple of years. This business, for me anyway, it's all I do,” Capuano, one of the leading trainers in Maryland history, said. “I've reached a point in my life where I want to do some other things besides get up at 4 o'clock in the morning and work six or seven days a week. It's time for me to do something else and enjoy myself.”

The 60-year-old Capuano is 22nd on the all-time wins list among trainers with 3,661 and his horses have earned more than $68 million in purses. He has topped the $1-million mark in season earnings 34 times, including each of the past 30 years.

Over his distinguished career Capuano led all Maryland trainers in annual wins eight times (1991, 1997-98, 2001-04) and won a total of 31 meet championships at its major tracks, Laurel and Pimlico Race Course.

His first winner was Who's Lucky at old Bowie Race Course Feb. 21, 1981.

An eight-time graded-stakes winner, Capuano extended his record as the most successful trainer in Maryland Million history to 15 wins when 2-year-old Johnyz From Albany captured the Nursery S. Oct. 22.

“I don't look at it like I've really done all that much. I've never won a Grade I, I never won a Classic-type race. Those things never happened,” he said. “We've had some pretty nice horses. Racing's been good to me and I've had a good career where I've been able to make a decent living doing it and doing what I really love to do. Those are all great things.”

Capuano was born into the family business, a son of late longtime owner and breeder Phil Capuano. He and his brother, Gary, were raised on the family's farm in the Prince George's County town of Upper Marlboro and began attending races at an early age.

Among his best horses have been 1990 GIII Trenton H. winner Wind Splitter, a horse he considers among the best he's ever trained, who ran 11th in the 1989 GI Kentucky Derby. Heros Reward was a two-time Maryland Horse of the Year who won or placed in 13 stakes, captured three graded-stakes and earned $1.3 million from 2005 to 2013. Others include Grade II winners Prized Stamp and Miss Mischief and multiple stakes winners Just Call Me Carl and In the Curl, the latter finishing in the money in 64 of 85 lifetime starts with nearly $750,000 in purse earnings.

“What's really kept me going is I've had great clients pretty much my entire career. That makes life so much easier,” Capuano said. “People like Lou Ulman, we've been together over 30 years. Steve Newby, Neil Glasser. Unfortunately some of them have passed away that were with me in the beginning–Harvey Linden was really helpful for me in the beginning of my career.

“There's so many I could name. Now we have Mopo Racing with Maury Povich, just great, great people to work with. Super C Racing. I don't want to leave anybody out,” he added. “It just makes my job so much easier when you have great people to work with.”

Phillip Capuano, son of trainer Gary Capuano, is more than ready to take over the stable, his uncle said.

“He's been with me in the barn every day since Delaware closed, and he's worked for me before, so he kind of knows my routine and he knows the horses,” Capuano said. “He always handles the horses for Gary at Delaware every year. When we shipped to Delaware he always took care of everything there for us. We usually kept a couple horses with him up there each season, so he knows my owners and he knows the horses. I think he'll just step right in on Jan. 1. Like I told my employees, it'll just be a different person behind the desk. Phil's a great kid. He's a hard-worker, honest, and he'll do just fine. I have no doubts about that.”

As for his retirement plans, Capuano said, “Just rest a little bit, because I haven't had a vacation in about five years. I'll probably take some trips around different places and start to live a little bit. Get myself back in the gym and get back in shape like I need to be, and work on myself a little bit.”

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“This morning his foot was a little warm again,” trainer Ricky Courville told the Preakness media team. “The vets went over him, and he's not 100%. I'm dealing with the same thing. I guess the work [Saturday] kind of re-aggravated it.”

In addition to the defection of Un Ojo, Pimlico officials announced the possible addition of  Villa Rosa Farm and Harlo Stable's Fenwick (Curlin) to the Preakness field. Trained by Kevin McKathan, the colt was a maiden winner at Tampa Bay Downs before finishing 11th in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S.

The post position draw for the Preakness will be held Monday afternoon.

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“I’m very excited because I haven’t been in the Preakness yet,” said Hall, who won the 2011 Belmont with 24-1 shot Ruler On Ice. “After the Kentucky Derby, he looked like he wanted to keep running. Steve watched him closely, and he was in great shape. He’s galloped well. He’s breezed well. We felt the horse was at the peak of his game and is ready to run.”

Winner of the GIII Withers S. for Linda Rice in February, Max Player finished third in the June 20 GI Belmont S before filling the same position in the GI Travers S. Aug. 8. Transferred to Steve Asmussen, he was fifth in his latest start in the Sept. 5 GI Kentucky Derby. Asmussen previously won the Preakness with Curlin (Smart Strike) in 2007 and again in 2009 with the filly Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro).

“I really feel like we will be competitive,” said Hall. “If you look at the Belmont S., where we were third, he didn’t have such a great trip. We got really caught behind a lot of horses and had to move around a lot and still wound up being third because he came on so strong at the end. In the Travers, he again came on strong to be third. It’s no shame to lose to Tiz the Law, as everybody knows. We feel like he’s a really good horse. When we started to look at the Preakness, I think the view is that he’s in perfectly good health. He’s in good shape, and he needs to develop. Reviewing the Kentucky Derby, he really came out of the gate slow [from post 1] and was far behind in the first jump. If we can get a little better trip out of the gate, maybe get a better post position and not fall so far behind and give him so much work to do at the end, we think that we can be competitive.”

According to Hall, jockey Paco Lopez will partner the colt for the first time in the Preakness.

“Obviously, we want to stay in the race, but we have to be careful because he is going to be a closer, no matter what,” said Hall. “I’m sure Steve will give Paco the correct instructions.”

Looking farther down the road, Hall added, “He had a long layoff before the Belmont, but then he’s had a robust campaign since,” Hall said. “What’s most important to us is that he stays healthy and has a good 4-year-old and, hopefully, 5-year-old career. We didn’t really think there was negative toward running in the Preakness that would affect his long-term prospects as a 4-year-old. We’re pretty excited about what he’s going to do be doing in the future, too.”

Hall bred Max Player through his K & G Stables, named for his children Katherine and George, with the colt raised on his Annestes Farm in Versailles, Ky. Hall owns 86% of Max Player, with SportBLX Thoroughbreds owning the other 14%. Co-founded by Hall and Joe De Perio, SportBLX Thoroughbreds offers micro-shares in racehorses. More micro-shares in Max Player, which will come out of his majority interest, likely will be available for purchase next week, Hall said.

Asmussen will also run Monmouth Park’s Pegasus S. winner Pneumatic (Uncle Mo) in the Preakness. Joe Bravo will have the mount.

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The song, which has been played at Pimlico since 1909, has stirred up controversy because its lyrics are meant to encourage Maryland to join the Confederacy. The sixth verse includes the following lines; “Dear Mother! burst the tyrant’s chain, Maryland! Virginia should not call in vain, Maryland! She meets her sisters on the plain-‘Sic semper!’ ’tis the proud refrain.”

The song was adapted from a poem by James Ryder Randal, which called the Union “Northern scum.”

At the Preakness, only the third verse, one that is not particularly controversial, is usually played.

In the aftermath of the George Floyd death, Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) announced she would lead an effort to remove Maryland, My Maryland as the state’s official song.

“The Maryland Jockey Club is respectful and supportive of Speaker Jones’ move to remove ‘Maryland My Maryland’ as the state song, and we look forward to starting a new tradition for Preakness 145,” the Stronach Group said in a statement.

In another sign of the times, Pimlico has changed the name of the GII Dixie S. It will now be known by its original name, the Dinner Party S. The race has been run since 1870.

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“The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club have been working closely in consultation with local and state health and governmental authorities for the past several months to thoughtfully and safely plan for Preakness 145,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President, The Stronach Group and 1/ST. “While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority. Although Preakness 145 will look and feel much different from all those that have come before it, 1/ST RACING is committed to delivering a day of world-class Thoroughbred horse racing.”

The Stronach Group and 1/ST indicated only essential racing personnel and horsemen will be permitted on-site at Pimlico on race day. The Preakness will operate in full compliance with all state, county and local health department orders and will follow all current and recommended CDC precautions and safeguards to ensure the health and safety of the limited number of essential racing personnel and participants required.

Existing ticket holders that have already purchased tickets will have the option to either transfer their purchased tickets to next year’s Preakness 146 or to apply for a full refund.

Information on ticket transfer or refund options is available at www.preakness.com, via email at tickets@preakness.com or by calling 1-877-206-8042, Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.ET.

For the first time since its inception, Preakness will represent the third jewel of the Triple Crown and will feature an all-stakes program with $3.35 million in purses, including the 96th running of the GII Black-Eyed Susan S.

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The $100,000 Weber City Miss, to be contested at 1 1/16 miles Sept. 7 at Laurel Park, will once again serve as a ‘Win and In’ race for the Black-Eyed Susan, offering automatic entry for the winner. Also on Laurel’s Labor Day card, the Federico Tesio S. will serve as a ‘Win and In’ event for Triple Crown-nominated horses to the Preakness.

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