BALTIMORE, MD. 4-30-09---The $75,000 Federico Tesio Stakes highlights Saturday’s Kentucky Derby day celebration at Pimlico. The Tesio, often used as a prep for the Preakness Stakes, has attracted eight 3-year-olds who will race nine furlongs on the main track.

Saturday’s eleven race card has a special first post of 12:45 p.m. The Kentucky Derby will be simulcast to Pimlico at 6:24 p.m.

Four of those entered in the Tesio are Triple Crown nominees. The morning line favorite is The Prince (3-1), who is trained by Tony Dutrow but who has not named to the Triple Crown. With a 2-1-2 record in five starts, The Prince ran second in the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes, third in the Fred Capossela Stakes and then won his most recent start, an optional claiming race at Aqueduct. David Cohen is named to ride the gelded son of Not For Love.

The entry of Toby the Coal Man and Miner’s Escape is second choice at 7-2. Both are trained by Nick Zito and both raced in Florida this winter. Toby the Coal Man finished last in the Florida Derby in the race after his maiden victory. Miner’s Escape has not started since his maiden win. Julian Pimentel is named to both.

Seal Team (4-1) was claimed for $40,000 by trainer Steve Asmussen. He’s won three of seven starts. This will be his first stakes attempt and Chuck Lopez has the mount.

Tone It Down (9-2) has two wins in five starts, a maiden win and an optional claiming score and both were accomplished at Laurel Park. Mario Pino has been aboard for all of his starts and will receive a leg up once again from trainer William Klomo on Saturday.

Rule Of Motion (5-1), coming in off an 8-length score at Philadelphia Park, is a John Servis trainee. This will be his first stakes attempt and Clinton Potts has the mount.

Completing the field are Hehasnosay and In the Juice, both listed at 8-1. Both have finished in the money in minor stakes.