By David Ginsburg
The Associated Press

BALTIMORE - For Imperialism, the troubles began even before the starting gates burst open at the Preakness Stakes.

As owner Steve Taub worked his way up to the press box to watch the race Saturday, his horse lost his front left shoe during the post parade. Imperialism was quickly taken to the barn for repairs.

"He threw a shoe on the grass. We had to go back in and put on a new one," trainer Kristin Mulhall said. "I don't think it was a major factor."

Perhaps not, but Imperialism never threatened in the race, a big disappointment for a horse hoping to improve on a third-place finish at the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Nick Zito's two Derby entries, The Cliff's Edge and Birdstone, lost horseshoes, too.

Imperialism jockey Kent Desormeaux agreed that the new shoe didn't cause any problems.

"I couldn't have had a better trip," he said.

Except for Smarty Jones' runaway, which left Imperialism a distant fifth.

"He looked good in the post parade, he looked like he warmed up well, and it looked to me like he broke really well," Taub said. "He looked sharp, and it looked like he was going easy.

"Am I disappointed? You bet. I would think there are seven people that are disappointed. I guess the ones who finished first, second and third don't feel too bad."

Taub, who originally planned to skip the Preakness with Imperialism, was not sure the horse would run in the Belmont on June 5. Mulhall seemed in favor of staying away.

"She's been against the mile-and-a-half distance all along. She thinks he's a mile-and-a-quarter horse or less," Taub said. "So unless something changes Kristen's mind, I would say no."

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A PHILLY GUY: The Eagles fell short of the Super Bowl. The Saint Joseph's basketball team failed to make the Final Four. The Flyers? No telling how far they'll go.

So for now, Smarty Jones is carrying the hopes of the Philly faithful.

Charlie Rooney, of Sea Bright, N.J., showed up at Pimlico Race Course wearing a custom-made Philadelphia Phillies jersey, with "Smarty" and No. 7 on the back, for his post position.

"The Philadelphia fans have really latched on to Smarty," Rooney said. "They're tough fans, but when you're a winner, they adore you. He just may be the biggest athlete in the city."

The Pennsylvania-bred colt might be the most popular, too.

At the winner's circle, someone shouted out, "Philadelphia loves Smarty Jones!" A few voices yelled back, "Everybody loves Smarty Jones!"

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell pumped his fist as he walked back from the winner's circle. A noted sports junkie, Rendell said the horse was a champion fans could rally around.

"He's a special horse to everyone in the whole country and everyone in the whole state," he said. "I can't imagine what the TV ratings are going to be. I can't imagine what they're going to be for the Belmont."

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FAVORITE PAYS: Smarty Jones became the 17th horse out of 25 to win the Preakness after starting the race at odds of less than even money.

Smarty Jones went off as the 3-5 favorite, and justified the backing with a runaway 111/2-length victory. He paid $3.40, $3.00 and $2.60.

Riva Ridge in 1972 and Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000 were the shortest-priced favorites to lose the race. Both went off at 3-10.

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SUN, FUN & BEER: The best way to beat the heat in the Preakness infield Saturday was taking a dip in the pool.

The prize for the most innovative way to meet women at Pimlico went to the guys who brought in a large plastic wading pool, filled it with water - and a few goldfish - before inviting passing women to take a refreshing swim.

The massive annual outdoor party at Pimlico required no invitation but cost $42 to enter. Watching the races was optional - if not impossible - and virtually no one cared.

"I'm not here for the races, I'm here to drink and party," said Jim Fisher, 22, a senior at Penn State. "It's probably not worth $42. A year from now I'll probably consider getting a seat, but I can't complain."

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BIG TWO ABSENT: For the first time since 1985, neither Bob Baffert nor D. Wayne Lukas had a horse in the Preakness.

Lukas had missed only two Preakness races since 1985, and Baffert had a horse in the Preakness eight straight years before Saturday. Lukas has saddled five winners in the race, Baffert four.

"It just shows you how hard this game is that those fellows aren't here," said trainer Nick Zito, who saddled Sir Shackleton in Saturday's race. Sir Shackleton finished sixth.