AIKEN - Ron Stevens has trained a lot of horses for the Aiken Trials since coming to the city in 1986. Some even went on to become champions.

But the trials haven't always provided the best indicator of things to come.

Of the four horses he's trained that won more than $1 million in prizes and ran in the trials, only one started by winning in Aiken.

One of the most recognized horses that he trained for owner Cot Campbell - Summer Squall - didn't win a race in the event but went on to finish second in the 1990 Kentucky Derby and won the Preakness Stakes that same year.

"They're in kindergarten now," he said of the 2-year-olds that will run in the trials.

The six events scheduled for Saturday are seen as opportunities to introduce young, inexperienced horses to race conditions. The shy animals aren't accustomed to running in front of thousands of people.

Organizers have estimated past crowds at 10,000. Weather forecasts for Saturday call for sun and temperatures in the 60s, which could lead to record crowds.

The Aiken Training Track on Two Notch Road, where the trials are run, stays active in the days before the event with young horses taking practice turns around the oval.

Dozens of horses even braved the wet and cold Thursday morning to gallop in the mud. The event goes off rain or shine.

But for 2-year-old horses that compete, the finish line will come at just the quarter-mile mark. They aren't ready yet for longer races.

"You want to be able to go a mile and a quarter for the big money," Mr. Stevens said.

Tim Jones trains seven horses that are supposed to compete Saturday, four of which are 2-year-olds.

"I like all of them, to tell you the truth," he said of their chances.

But "we just don't know until they leave here and they start competing."

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113, or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.