Preakness Stakes 2011: Animal Kingdom In Top Shape, Mr. Commons Aggressive

One week from the 136th Preakness Stakes, Animal Kingdom appears to be in top form. The trainer of the Kentucky Derby winner, Graham Motion, exuded confidence during a press conference Friday.

"I think [a formal workout is] unlikely," Motion said. "I wouldn't normally work a horse who has two weeks between races. If he's good enough, he'll handle it.

"There is nothing I can do between now and then to make him any more competitive."

Meanwhile, those around Mr. Commons are expressing surprise at his aggressive running. From Daily Racing Form:

[Jockey Victor] Espinoza said he was impressed by Mr. Commons’s speed. “I think he has a lot of talent,” he said. “If you need the speed, it will be there. I’m glad I worked him.”

The 2011 Preakness Stakes gets underway on May 21 at Pimlico. Stay with our Preakness Stakes StoryStream for more on the race. To look back at the Derby, check out SB Nation's 2011 Kentucky Derby StoryStream. Also, our horse racing blog And Down The Stretch They Come has two must-read resources for Derby and Preakness fans: A Beginner's Guide To Following Horse Racing and a glossary of horse racing terms.