Snuck-in (right), the favorite for the Arkansas Derby, finished second at the event.

Snuck In, who won the Rebel at Oaklawn Park in March and has never been worse than third in nine starts, was removed from Kentucky Derby consideration last week by Asmussen. He made the decision after Snuck In after a rapid five-furlong workout in which the colt threw his head a few times when he broke away from stablemate Promise of War.

"I don't really think that was the style of work you'd win the Derby with," Asmussen said at the time. "He's got to relax a little more."

Cash Asmussen had planned to fly in from France to ride in his first Derby for his younger brother.

On Tuesday, Snuck In covered six furlongs in 1:11 3-5.

"He's obviously a fast horse," Asmussen said. "He's doing well. I think the big difference Tuesday was how he handled going to the pole. Of course, there's a lot less excitement - what a difference a week makes around here. He went well over the track and I think the Preakness will allow for a little sharper horse than the racetrack here will, or so it's seemed in the past."

He said there was much less traffic on the track on Tuesday and that Snuck In seemed comfortable.

Asmussen said he was extremely impressed with Fusaichi Pegasus' victory in the Kentucky Derby, but that he believes Snuck In fits well in the Preakness.

"Watching the race, especially the isolated shot of that horse running, was as impressive as it could possibly be," he said. "He looked like something that was breaking his maiden easily. But it's a situation where we've got to try to do what's best for our horse.

"I think that as far as the timing goes and everything, he's due for a big race and you'll see where it puts you on things," he said. "You'll see who you have to avoid in the future and what you're not supposed to be scared of."