Preakness Stakes Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) Preview May 14, 2015 Preakness Stakes Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) Preview May 14, 2015 By: Aaron Halterman twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Likely Winners #1 American Pharoah (KY) – He’s ready to take the next step towards racing immortality, but this is no easy task. It took most of the stretch for him to get by Firing Line last time out, and this shorter distance might make it tougher. Much has been made about the “32 whips” maybe taking a little out of American Pharoah, but I do not believe that will be the case. He may have not ran his best race in Kentucky (like several others) so I am actually expecting an improved effort. I have been on record in saying American Pharoah would romp in Baltimore…but now things look a little tougher. He is still going to win this race, but I think they’ll make him work for it every step of the way. The rail draw while not a huge deal could still make things even tougher. A classic race is in the cards! #2 Dortmund (KY) – I’m willing to give him another try even though I have stated several times that I was disappointed that he folded like he did in the Kentucky Derby. However, like I’ve also been saying, the Kentucky Derby can be a strange race. The Preakness seems to be a better gauge on a horses talent, and the small cut back in distance will probably help Dortmund also. We know he’s beaten Firing Line twice already so perhaps he just didn’t run his best race in Kentucky. #8 Firing Line (KY) – I came away from the Kentucky Derby super impressed with this horse. He put away his nemesis Dortmund with ease, and if he had changed leads in the stretch it may have been much closer between him and the winner American Pharoah. Having jockey Gary Stevens on his side is also a huge plus, as he’s no stranger to winning this race with horses that have good early speed. It will be interesting to see if Firing Line tries to push it early on and get some distance between himself and American Pharoah…with the shorter distance it could make all the difference. However, with his outside post he could also sit off the pace and stalk as well. Stevens can dictate the terms of the race…very dangerous! Exotic Plays #4 Danzig Moon (ON) – Ran pretty well in the Kentucky Derby to finish fifth, but I feel like he’s several lengths behind the top three in this spot. I wouldn’t blame you for playing him underneath in your exotics though as he is the only value horse that is logical. Still believe one of the top three would have to not fire for him to hit the board, but that could always happen. Party Crashers #3 Mr. Z (KY) – JUST KIDDING!! I put him in this category just to piss people off…honestly I do not think any horse outside the big three can win this race. It would be a monumental upset if one of those three didn’t win. Throw Outs #5 Tale of Verve (KY) – Recent maiden winner gets thrown to the wolves today, but why not take a shot against a short field? Trainer Dallas Stewart has pulled some miracle second place finishes in the Kentucky Derby, but this would be a bigger miracle today. #6 Bodhisattva (CA) – Local winner, but not much else positive outside of that. A tremendous jump up in class for this one today, so the home track advantage will become obsolete. #7 Divining Rod (KY) – Definitely the most established of the new shooters as he won the Lexington Stakes last time out. The question becomes who has he beaten though since he hasn’t had much luck against tougher company. If he splits the field I’d call it a success.
2024 Kentucky Derby Championship Series Look Ahead | Blinkers Off 657 The Racing Dudes take a look ahead at the upcoming… Read More
March Madness BRACKET Breakdown | Dudes Who Bet Sports 185 Aaron and Papa Dude give their break down of each… Read More
College Basketball Picks & Betting Psychology | Dudes Who Bet Sports 184 Aaron and Papa Dude give their best college basketball picks… Read More
Oaklawn Park Pick 5 [Whitmore Stakes Day] | The Magic Mike Show 534 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Basketball Picks & MORE | Dudes Who Bet Sports 183 Aaron and Papa Dude give their best college basketball picks… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 Latest News & Top 20 | Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby Steaks Up Next With no Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races held last week,… Read More
Louisiana Derby 2024 | Fair Grounds Picks [Kentucky Derby] Aaron previews the 2024 Louisiana Derby (G2) from Fair Grounds,… Read More
Jeff Ruby Steaks 2024 | Turfway Park Picks [Kentucky Derby] Aaron previews the 2024 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) from Turfway… Read More
Bourbonette Oaks 2024 | Turfway Park Picks [Kentucky Oaks] Maxisuperfly, the recent 23-1 upset winner of the Cincinnati Trophy… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 | Why Forever Young Is My Current Win Pick Dr. Miranda explains why the Japanese horse Forever Young is… Read More