Preakness Stakes 2011: Nehro Will Not Race, Owner Announces

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Nehro, the runner-up in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, was projected to be one of the favorites in Saturday's Preakness Stakes. On Tuesday, though, owner Ahmed Zayat has announced that he will not run Nehro in the Preakness. In particular, Zayat expressed worry over overworking his horse.

Zayat made the decision Tuesday morning, even though Nehro has responded well after finishing second behind Animal Kingdom at Churchill Downs on May 7.

Zayat says Nehro "couldn't look any better," but added, "I'm just concerned about him having four hard races in eight weeks."

Nehro had sported 5-1 odds prior to the announcement -- the second-strongest odds of any horse aside from Kentucky Derby champion Animal Kingdom. This figures to give Animal Kingdom, who held 5-2 odds before the announcement, an even better chance at setting himself up for a chance to win the elusive Triple Crown.

Check back with this StoryStream for updates regarding the 2011 Preakness Stakes. And for more on the world of horse racing, check out SB Nation's horse racing blog, And Down The Stretch They Come.