BALTIMORE -- John Servis, trainer of Kentucky Derby champion Smarty Jones, expects his unbeaten colt to compete in the second leg of the American horse racing Triple Crown here at next week's Preakness.

Two days after saying he might consider skipping the May 15 Pimlico showdown if Smarty Jones did not look well, Servis said this week's Sports Illustrated cover horse would be coming 150km down the highway to compete.

"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." The first undefeated Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977 would surpass Cigar as the top-earning horse if he captures the Triple Crown sweep by taking a five million-dollar bonus for the Derby, Preakness and June's Belmont Stakes.

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

Smarty Jones plans to resume work on Thursday in Philadelphia.

With Cheiron dropping out of the Preakness picture on Tuesday, the likely field for the Preakness includes Smarty Jones, Derby runner-up Lion Heart, Derby rivals The Cliff's Edge and Borrego plus newcomers Rock Hard Ten, Eddington and Water Cannon.