Trained by local Marylander J. William Boniface, Oliver's Twist won three of four races in the spring of his sophomore season.
His next stop was what locals in Maryland call the "Preakness Trial": the grade three Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
Oliver's Twist was the third longest shot in the field at post time at 12-,1 ahead of only Pana Brass and Itron.
As the Preakness began, speedster Star Standard shot to the lead, followed by Mystery Storm and Talkin Man.
Under jockey Alberto Delgado, he split the leaders, cleared traffic, and engaged Derby winner Thunder Gulch.