The Preakness field is set. Post Positions were drawn earlier this evening at the ESPN Zone. Kentucky Derby winner, Big Brown has been listed as the 1-2 Morning Line (M/L) favorite and will break from the #7 post. He will be challenged by 12 other colts in the quest to capture the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, which covers the distance of 1 3/16 mile; 1/16th of a mile shorter than the Derby. Here’s how they’ll break from the gate…
PP Horse Name Jockey (M/L)
1 Macho Again J. Leparoux 30-1
2 Tres Borrachos T. Baze 30-1
3 Icabad Crane J. Rose 30-1
4 Yankee Bravo A. Solis 15-1
5 Behindatthebar D. Flores 10-1
6 Racecar Rhapsody R. Albarado 30-1
7 Big Brown K.Desormeaux 1-2
8 Kentucky Bear J. Theriot 15-1
9 Stevil J. Velazquez 30-1
10 Riley Tucker E. Prado 30-1
11 Giant Moon R. Dominguez 30-1
12 Gayego M. Smith 8-1
13 Hey Byrn C.C. Lopez 20-1
Recapping Day 15 (May 11th)…
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to post a blog for the Sunday (Day 16) card. The public outcry was underwhelming. I’ll try not to let my damaged ego get in the way of doing a thorough job of handicapping this week, especially for Preakness Day. Belwo in the recap from Saturday’s picks.
Best Bet, Fareena (# 3; 8th race; 8-5) was scratched.
Longshot, Plane Image (# 1; 9th race; 6-1) did enter the Starting Gate for his first career race. Obviously, I was not the only one who liked his chances as he went off as the lukewarm 5-2 favorite. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Plane Image that he had a shot in this one. He was slow out of the gate, but made a nice move in the stretch, passing a number of horses, but could only manage a 5th place finish.
Here’s who I like for the Day 17 (May 15th) of the Pimlico Spring Meet…
Best Bet: Doots (# 7; 7th race on the turf; 3-1)
At this (Alw 7500) level he has performed well with a win and second. Starting for the first time since November, Doots will be in the capable hands of jockey Malcolm Franklin, who handles himself quite well on the sod. Franklin has 3 wins in 8 mounts for trainer Hamilton Smith at the current Meet. So I expect this duo to visit it for the fourth time after this race.
Longshot: Speedy Freddie (# 6; 5th race on turf; 8-1)
Philly Park Shipper gets services of regular rider (Harry Vega) who comes to Old Hilltop just to ride him. Add the fact “Freddie” has won, placed and showed in four (4) lifetime grass efforts, where the win and place came at today’s distance, he’s a Player here.
Good Luck with your selections today!