If there had been a Grade 1 stakes for 3-year-old fillies at the same juncture of the calendar, he probably would not have.
But McPeak has ducked no challenges this year, racing Swiss Skydiver in Florida, Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Kentucky and New York. So as long as she kept cleaning out her feed tub and showing up eager to train, why not pit her against a field of colts led by Kentucky Derby champion Authentic?
The relentless chestnut rewarded her trainer’s bold choice Saturday when she became the first filly since 2009 and only the second since 1924 to win the Preakness.