In the 1991 Kentucky Derby, Hansel was the betting favorite but after a mile tired badly and finished tenth. On the result, Frank Brothers said,"I'd like to be able to give you a reason why he ran so bad, but I just can't". As a result of his poor performance, trainer Frank Brothers initially decided to skip the Preakness Stakes. However, after a good workout by Hansel and encouragement from Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, for whom he had worked as an assistant, Brothers changed his mind and shipped the colt to Pimlico Race Course. Hansel beat the Preakness field of eight by seven lengths. He finished ahead of place runners Corporate Report and Mane Minister with Best Pal and Strike the Gold finishing fifth and sixth respectively.