Preakness probable target for Divining Rod

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Oldsmar, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Divining Rod, third in the Tampa Bay Derby, is likely targeting the 140th Preakness Stakes on May 16 and bypassing the Kentucky Derby.

Divining Rod was made a late nominee on Monday for the Triple Crown but is being pointed to the Preakness instead of the Run for the Roses.

"Right now, I'm thinking about the (Keeneland's $250,000) Lexington on April 11 for his next start," trainer Arnaud Delacour said. "The timing is right - about five weeks after the Tampa Bay Derby and five weeks before the Preakness - but we're keeping all our options open."

Divining Rod, owned by Lael Stables of his breeders Mr. and Mrs. M. Roy Jackson, has one win in four lifetime starts but has yet to finish worse than third.

The colt was on the pace in the Tampa Bay Derby but finished third, beaten 7 1/2 lengths by Carpe Diem.

"He was pressured on the lead, and considering he kept third place after they went so fast in front, I thought it was a pretty good performance. I don't think we've seen the best of him yet, and I hope he can still improve," Delacour said.

Divining Rod won first time out last November at Laurel Park on the main track. The colt was switched to the turf the following month at Tampa but finished third. As a 28-1 longshot Divining Rod was second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa on Jan. 31 dropping a neck decision to Ocean Knight. He has earned $99,800 from his four starts.