The 151st Preakness Stakes is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the second leg of the Triple Crown. Among the contenders is Robusta, a colt whose recent performances have raised eyebrows—though perhaps not for the right reasons. Over his last two starts, the Santa Anita Derby and the Kentucky Derby, Robusta has been beaten by a combined 33½ lengths and has managed to outpace only four of 25 horses. Yet, trainer Doug O'Neill remains optimistic, insisting this horse can still make noise on Saturday. Before you count him out, remember: Robusta nearly pulled off a stunning upset at 67-1 odds earlier this year. That kind of grit is worth a second look.

As part of our series profiling every horse in the 151st Preakness Stakes, we're diving into Robusta's story. From his past performances to the questions surrounding his form, and how the post position draw might shape his chances, let's break down what you need to know.

Robusta carries the storied colors of Calumet Farm, a legendary operation known for producing Triple Crown winners like Whirlaway and Citation. Calumet holds the record for most Preakness wins by an owner with eight, and their connection to this race is as deep as the Black-Eyed Susans that adorn the winner's circle. That legacy may be why Robusta is in the field, but his recent form tells a different tale. In the Santa Anita Derby, he finished dead last of seven, losing by 16 lengths. Then, in the Kentucky Derby, he placed 14th of 17, trailing by 17½ lengths. In Louisville, he ran wide throughout, never found his stride, and only passed tired horses in the stretch.

Nothing about those two races suggests a competitive effort just two weeks after Churchill Downs. O'Neill is banking on a return to the form Robusta showed in the San Felipe Stakes back in March, when he nearly shocked the field at 67-1 odds, losing by just a head. That performance earned him an 89 Beyer Speed Figure—11 points higher than his next best. But looking at his other five career starts, the San Felipe is starting to look like an outlier. Even in a race without any standout stars, Robusta faces an uphill battle to prove he belongs with the contenders.