Comment -- In Bernardini, the Preakness has what might be its best-bred horse. Sired by A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew) out of Cara Rafaela (Quiet American), the brown colt has the pedigree of a Triple Crown race winner. Unraced as a 2-year-old, he has won twice, impressively, in three starts this year, including the Withers last month. But he is another colt who is still learning his business. The two turns and the 1 3/16th distance will both be firsts for him.
9 - DIABOLICAL
ODDS 24-1
COLOR CHESTNUT
JOCKEY - Ramon Dominguez -- Former Maryland rider who now rides in Delaware, Florida and New York. Best Preakness finish was second in 2005 aboard Scrappy T, when the colt veered in front of Afleet Alex in the stretch.
TRAINER - Steve Klesaris -- Grew up in family's show horse business. Worked as an agent for jockeys and committed to training in 1995. Won the 2000 Laurel Futurity with Buckle Down Ben.
OWNER - Jeff Puglisi -- Bases his operation at Fair Hill Training Center, working with Klesaris. Was an owner in Arizona and New York previously.
BREEDING - Breeder -- Longleaf Pine Farm, Ky.
Bloodlines -- Artax out of Bonnie Byerly
Foaled -- Feb. '03
RECORD - 2006 -- 3 starts, 1 win, 1 place ($43,800)
2005 -- 5 starts, 1 win, 3 places, 1 show ($128,130)
Comment -- He has won just twice in eight races over two years, but Klesaris points out he has held his own against the best. He was third behind Bluegrass Cat (second in the Derby) in the Nashua at Belmont Park last fall and was a distant second to Derby winner Barbaro in the Laurel Futurity on the turf. Diabolical, like Barbaro, trains at Fair Hill. Klesaris says his horse has yet to run his best race.
