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Fixed Odds Preakness Betting
5/15/10
There are advantages and disadvantages to wagering at fixed prices on the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes. The odds offered by sportsbooks are typically lower than you will find through the pari-mutuel pool on race day, but on the other hand your odds are locked in. 5dimes.com is currently offering odds of 7/2 on Lookin at LUcky. He should be a bit higher on race day. However if for any reason Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver were to defect from the field his odds would fall drastically. Those who bet at a fixed price would still have 7/2.
Let’s take a look at a few strong early wagering opportunities at 5dimes.com.
SChoolyard Dreams (14-1) The Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby runner up lost that race in brutal fashion. Most of us thought he won’t that race at first glance. He returned from that effort to finish poorly in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial behind Eskendereya. He has been working up a storm for trainer Derek Ryan who also trains 2009 Illinois Derby winner Musket Man. Eibar Coa rides both of those horses. Coa is an experienced jOurneyman jockey who thinks that SChoolyard Dreams can be even better than Musket Man. Coa will have to time his ride perfectly because this horse thinks his job is done when he strikes the lead. Look for him at the wire.
Dublin (10-1) Trained by D Wayne LUkas, this colt won the Grade 1 Champagne at the age of two. He has had trouble since then. It seems he has a tough time going for the jugular and right when you think he will move in for the win he hangs. New jockey Garrett Gomez might be able to fix that problem. Gomez is the best big money rider out there and he will have this colt in a position to win. That is something Terry Thompson did not do last out in the Kentucky Derby when he took this son of Afleet Alex very wide turning for home. Given the nature of the Run for the Roses we can’t put too much blame on Thompson, but Gomez can and will make this horse run a better race.
Jackson Bend (12-1) This colt was the talk of the Derby trail in December and January. He reeled off several nice wins in a row. Big time trainer Nick Zito acquired the horse for owner Robert LApenta. While he has put in solid efforts, he hasn’t lived up to expectations. A win here would change all of that. He is up against the wall, but he has the skills to pay the bills. With a good ride he could be right there on the wire. Don’t count him out.
Paddy O’Prado (9/2) Three time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Kent Desormeaux swears up and down that this colt was the best in the Kentucky Derby where he ended up third beaten a slim margin for second by Ice Box. He continues to improve with each start. With the defections of Conveyance, A Little Warm, and Hurricane Ike, he could inherit the lead. His ideal trip would be sitting right off the pacesetter. Kent Desormeaux will have him in a spot to win for trainer Dale Romans who will also saddle First Dude.
Super Saver (5/2) Whats not to like about the Kentucky Derby winner? He has the hottest jockey, Calvin Borel, and trainer Todd Pletcher is clearly the best at the moment. His tactical speed means he can be anywhere in regards to the pace. He should handle the sharp turns of Pimlico well. This is a square price on a winner of the Kentucky Derby. If you like this horse you will get your moneys worth.