Seven starters confirmed for Preakness

Teuflesberg is taking a pass on the Preakness, while trainer D. Wayne Lukas will send out Flying First Class in his attempt for a sixth victory in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The moves leave next Saturday's $1 million Preakness with seven confirmed starters, including Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense and the next two finishers, Hard Spun and Curlin.

Also set for the 1 3-16th-mile race are King of the Roxy, Mint Slewlep and Xchanger. C P West and Chelokee are possibles, with final decisions to be made over the next few days.

Jamie Sanders, the co-owner and trainer of Teuflesberg _ 17th in last week's Derby _ originally planned to enter her colt, but had a change of heart Saturday.

"We need to do what is right for the horse," Sanders said. "He has given us everything leading up to this spot, including the Derby. It was a tough decision, but it is a long campaign and we have a lot of races in store for him."

Teuflesberg is among the most seasoned 3-year-olds on the Triple Crown trail with four wins in 16 career starts.

Lukas, meanwhile, chose Derby Trial winner Flying First Class over Lexington Stakes runner-up Starbase as his Preakness starter. Lukas has started a record 31 horses in the Preakness _ his most recent winner was Charismatic in 1999.

"We think he is coming up to the race in good order and he's been doing what we've asked of him," Lukas said of Flying First Class. "I think he merits the chance. He's earned it."

The colt will be ridden by Mark Guidry, who was aboard for the Derby Trial.

Chelokee trainer Michael Matz, who trained last year's Derby winner, Barbaro, said his colt was scheduled for a Sunday workout at Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Md. C P West was set for a Monday workout at Belmont Park.

The Preakness post position draw is Wednesday.