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PREAKNESS
PACE
The Kentucky Derby is finally behind us, and the
second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, will be
contested on May 16 at Pimlico Racecourse. The field is shaping up
to be a large, and very contentious bunch. One of the most important
things in horse racing is pace. As we saw with Da ‘Tara in the 2008
Belmont Stakes, lone speed can win a race regardless of how much
worse a horse may seem on paper. Let’s take a look at who will
running on or near the front in the Preakness!
Hull - The unbeaten son of Holy
Bull is quite a speedster. He won the Grade 3 Derby Trial at 7.5
furlongs last out for trainer Dale Romans and jockey Miguel Mena. He
was a ½ length behind the :44 1/5 half mile split in that race, so
it will be tough to beat him to the lead if the jock decides that is
what he wants. His first two wins were laughable because he was so
much better than his competition, but he beat some nice horses like
Silver City, and Kensai in the Derby Trial. He has not had public
workout since his last race. Distance may be a concern, because he
hasn’t been past 7.5 furlongs in his short career, but pedigree
indicates that he should be able to manage. He could get there at a
nice price.
Big Drama - The $1,000,000 Delta
Jackpot winner might not be on the lead, but he won’t be too far
off. He was disqualified from first last out in the Grade 2 Swale
Stakes. That race was his first of the year, and he fired a 108 BSF,
which is by far his best and one of the highest in the field. The
son of Montaroo will be able to lay close or challenge the leader if
the jockey decides to do so. From seven starts, he has lost only
twice, and just once if you don’t count the DQ last out (It was
debatable). Trainer David Fawkes could have a monster on his hands
if he improves off that performance in the Swale.
Tone It Down - This son of
Medaglia d’Oro was third last out in the local prep, the Federico
Tesio Stakes. He was leading the way for six furlongs, but relented
to finish third beaten five lengths. Usually I would say he doesn’t
have much of a chance, but after watching Mine That Bird win the
Kentucky Derby ANYTHING can happen. He will be in good hands with
Mario Pino, who rode Hard Spun to a third place finish in the 2007
Preakness.
Take The Points -The Todd
Pletcher trainee won’t be on the lead, but he will be fairly close.
His BSF peaked at 99 in allowance before finishing a distance second
to The Pamplemousse in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes. After that he ran a
close fourth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. His best race was
over a traditional dirt surface, and he will be back on dirt for the
first time since that run. He has a shot here, and will be a nice
price.
Rachel Alexandra - The
dominating 20 length winner of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks was sold
privately to Jess Jackson this week. The price wasn’t disclosed, but
I’ve heard rumors it was around $10 million. That is serious money
for a filly! She is likely to lay near the front with regular jockey
Calvin Borel in the irons. Her new trainer Steve Asmussen isn’t
likely to change much. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is easily one
of the best fillies in the past 25 years. She will likely be the
favorite and she has a hell of a shot to become just the sixth filly
to capture the Preakness Stakes.
BET THE RACE AT BET JAMAICA!
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