by: Bobby McDonald

As all eyes in the horse racing world are focused on "the second jewel of the Triple Crown," The Preakness, local Thoroughbred breeder, Mary Bonham is the perfect "authority" to consult, regarding the race. She saw the horses run two weeks ago at the Kentucky Derby. Bonham says, "Watch for Scappy T, Giacomo, Afleet Alex, and High Fly. Those are the horses that have the speed index, stamina, and overall will to be in the winner's circle!"

Bonham further stated that most of your top racing three-year olds will "peak" on the racing circuit and race three and maybe four races before leveling off in matches. "I like a horse that has the will to come from behind and give it all that he has in the home stretch," advised Bonham. "Some horses can get a firm lead and hold it throughout the race, but the real excitement is the come from behind winner, that has a burst of energy at the wire!"

Mary Bonham witnessed Giacomo take the Kentucky Derby on May 7th at Churchill Downs. "I really enjoyed this year's derby and being able to watch the horses run, as well as just being a part of such an energetic crowd, " denoted Bonham. And, when asked about her "derby hat," Bonham stated, " It was a 'pink' creation that was a straw hat, with a wide brim, a large pink feather, and lots of pink netting that was highlighted with white pearls. Everyone wears something spectacular at the derby!"

The Preakness is always raced two weeks following the Kentucky Derby, on the third Saturday in May, and is considered the "second jewel" in the coveted and illusive Triple Crown Race. The race is run at Pimlico Race Course, in Baltimore, Maryland. The race began in 1873, two years before the Kentucky Derby, and was named for "Preakness" the first top race horse that won at the track. The course is a one and three-sixteenths mile track and was won by Smarty Jones in 2004, and Funnycide in 2003 racing.

Horses to look for in Saturday's race include Malibu Moonshine, Wilko, Sun King, Noble Causeway, Scrappy T, Greeley's Galaxy, Bellamy Road, Giacomo, High Fly, Afleet Alex, Flower Alley, Buzzard's Bay, Closing Arguement, and others. Bonham expressed that she really like the racing style of "Don't Get Mad," when she saw him perform at the Kentucky Derby, but the horse will not be in the Preakness race.

A visit with Mary Bonham on Friday morning, revealed that she had just returned from a trip to Louisiana Downs, on Thursday, where she had watched her own horses compete. She was elated that one of her two-year olds, "Royal Act To Go" was a winner, as well as "Kate Storm The Bird," who competed in the four-year old division, and is now winning after disastrous injuries last year.

Bonham's Rafter L Stables is also the proud owner of something very, very unique in the Thoroughbred Racing Industry. Bonham owns possibly the only white Thoroughbred racing on the circuit. "Direct's Unique One" is a genetic marvel in the breed and draws attention from the crowd, wherever he races. The three-year old stud is really unique and colorful, according to Bonham.

Mary Bonham and her staff at Rafter L Stables hosted over 500 local residents at her facilities, located on Hwy 19, last year, as a part of our Sesquicentennial Celebration. Residents were able to get an "up close and personal" visit into the racing world, witness the rigorous training routine that Thoroughbreds must endure, and learn about their feeding and care. Then, Bonham hosted a Sesquicentennial Race at her practice track, as the grand finale of the day.

Bonham will be watching the Preakness with intent on Saturday, May 21st, and with the tips she's given us for the race, maybe we need to look for a "bookie!"

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