The May 10 Sports Illustrated is the first since 1983 to feature a Derby winner on its cover.

The photo of Smarty Jones and jockey Stewart Elliott racing ahead of the field in the Derby is accompanied by the headline: "Why Everybody Loves Smarty Jones ... The Horse from the Wrong Side of the Tracks Looks Fit for a Triple Crown.''

It's been more than 20 years since a Derby winner made the SI cover. Sunny's Halo was the last, on the May 16, 1983, edition.

With his authoritative 2 3/4 -length win over Lion Heart in the Derby to run his record to 7-0, Smarty Jones is also chasing away his rivals.

Cheiron, trained by Kristin Mulhall, was the latest Preakness defection, leaving six horses set to take on Smarty Jones in the May 15 second leg of the Triple Crown. On Monday, fourth-place Derby finisher Limehouse was ruled out by owner Cot Campbell.

Before Smarty Jones left Churchill Downs, trainer John Servis was beginning to understand how popular his colt has become.

"This is bigger than I ever imagined,'' Servis said. "It has been crazy, but I'm having the best time of my life.''

Other confirmed Preakness starters are Derby horses Lion Heart, The Cliff's Edge (fifth) and Borrego (10th), along with new shooters Eddington, Rock Hard Ten and Water Cannon.

Trainer Bob Baffert said Preachinatthebar is a possible starter.

Mulhall's Imperialism finished third in the Derby but is skipping the Preakness to prepare for the Belmont Stakes on June 5, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Eddington and Rock Hard Ten missed the Derby because they did not have enough graded stakes earnings to get into the field; Water Cannon is based in Maryland and is coming off a win in the Tesio Stakes at Pimlico on April 17.

Smarty Jones' popularity keeps growing as his story is told over and over again: He's a Pennsylvania-bred horse who nearly died when he slammed his head on an iron bar; his trainer and jockey are based at small-time Philly Park; and his owners refused a blank check to sell him.

Now he's the first undefeated Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977, with a chance to win the Preakness and enter the Belmont Stakes with a shot at becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in '78.

He's also made millionaires of his owners, Roy and Pat Chapman. They collected a $5 million bonus from Oaklawn Park after Smarty Jones swept the Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby.

Servis said Smarty Jones will resume training Wednesday or Thursday.

"He's doing great,'' Servis said. "I see no reason why we wouldn't be heading to the Preakness. This story is great for our industry.''

Lion Heart continued his training with a jog around Keeneland.

"So far, so good,'' trainer Patrick Biancone said. "We are right on schedule.''

Rock Hard Ten, second in the Santa Anita Derby but DQ'd to third for interfering with Imperialism, returned to the track Tuesday for the first time since April 26.

The colt worked seven furlongs at Churchill Downs in 1:25.80.

"We have a big chance,'' trainer Jason Orman said. "He definitely fits among the top horses.''