BALTIMORE _ The theory that there's no such thing as bad publicity isn't always true. The disqualification of Maximum Security in the Kentucky Derby spawned all sorts of negativity about thoroughbred racing.
Social media spewed volcanic venom. There were countless rants that the decision by Churchill Downs' stewards created a black eye for the sport. More than $6.2 million was bet to win on Maximum Security, and his backers were enraged and embittered. Owners Gary and Mary West filed a federal lawsuit to try to reverse the ruling and redistribute the $1.86 million winner's share.
Which brings us to Saturday's middle jewel of a very tarnished Triple Crown, the 144th Preakness, in which 13 3-year-olds will run for $1.65 million. The Derby's first four finishers _ Maximum Security, winner Country House, Code of Honor, Tacitus _ are absent. That's a first. Improbable, an uncompetitive fifth, is the 5-2 morning-line favorite by default.
