Jackson’s Mark Post looks to go back-to-back when Mage, a thoroughbred he co-owns – runs in the Preakness Stakes – the second leg of the Triple Crown – at 5:47 p.m., Saturday.
Grace Media Group – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM, 93.1 FM & WNWS.COM – visited with Mark for a question and answer session about Saturday’s race.
Question: Has it finally set in what you experienced at the Derby – actually co-owning a horse that won?
Answer: Yes it has settled in. It took a few days to realize and really appreciate the fact of owning a portion of a horse who won the Kentucky Derby. It’s really a thrill beyond belief. It’s really hard to comprehend at times. I’m both grateful and fortunate.
Question: Have you had a chance to discuss with those close to Mage the outlook in the Preakness – how the horse is training, the competition and the track at Pimlico in Baltimore?
Answer: Yes, I have. Mage is training very well. In fact, he is acting like he has so much energy, and is ready to go. He has a very healthy appetite – which is always a key indicator.
So that was very encouraging. It seems like he has taken to the track and has been doing great with his workouts. There are seven other horses running in the Preakness. None of them ran in the Derby so they are very “fresh.”
A two-week turnaround to run another race for Mage is a very short turnaround time but he is acting like he is ready to go right now. It’s very encouraging. There won’t be the speed in this race like there was in the Derby.
Those speed fractions in the Derby were very, very fast which resulted in a number of horses “burning out” in the stretch. Our Jockey did an incredible job – tactically speaking – with saving ground in the race and didn’t get caught up with all the speed horses.
He saved him for the stretch run when he moved wide and had the speed to over take the field. Just incredible what he did. it was written it was the fourth fastest time ever for the Derby. I still get goose bumps watching it.
Question: How do you like Mage in this race?
Answer: Obviously, I like him a lot but this is a totally different race with a shorter distance and only seven other horses.
The No. 1 post position is National Treasure trained by Bob Baffert. I think he’ll take the lead right away.
No. 8 is First Mission, and he has good speed, too. I think he’ll be right in there but not take the lead and get caught up in a speed race.
I believe Mage will be up there but not in the lead. He is a stalker but the jockey has to make that determination where and when to position himself.
He doesn’t want to get boxed in so he can’t make his move when he needs/wants too. With seven other horses he’ll be able to move around a lot easier than the Derby.
Depending on his position at the final turn I think you’ll see him make his move and go wide. I think the No. 8 is his biggest threat right now. Very fresh and has good speed.
I must admit I’m a lot more nervous with this race than I was for the Derby. That’s all I’ve been thinking bout for the past couple of days.
(PHOTO: Mage and Mark Post)
