Derby Runner-Up Two Phil's Will Bypass Preakness

According to trainer Larry Rivelli, Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-upTwo Phil's  will not contest the 148th Preakness Stakes (G1) May 20 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Hard Spun   colt turned in an admirable one-length defeat behind Mage , who took home the first leg of the Triple Crown May 6 at Churchill Downs for owners Patricia's Hope, Phillip Sagan, and Madaket Stables.

"It's just too soon, that's all," Rivelli told BloodHorse Tuesday afternoon.

Two Phil's has an impressive $1,283,450 bankroll in nine races, including four wins, two seconds, and a third.

Earlier this year, the chestnut's 5 1/4-length victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park earned a spot in the Derby starting gate. He was runner-up to Instant Coffee  in his 2023 debut at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) in January and ran third in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) the following month back at the New Orleans oval.

"The horse came out of the race in great shape. There is no need to run back in two weeks. Two Phil's ran his guts out," Rivelli said.

With the absence of Two Phil's, Preakness contenders from the Derby include Mage, fourth-place Disarm , and 10th-place Confidence Game .

With summer racing soon to be in full swing, Rivelli's choices are bountiful, including a possible start in the final leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park June 10.