PREAKNESS STAKES CONTENDERS
2008
By Ryan Patterson
With the Kentucky Derby behind us it's time to set our sites on the 2008 Preakness Stakes. Let's take a look at a couple of the contenders in this race. Of course the question everyone is asking is, are these legitimate contenders to win the race, or is everyone else just running for 2nd behind Big Brown?
Big Brown seems to have scared off most of his
competition for the Preakness Stakes. Craig Dolase
has decided to send El Gato Malo to the Lone Star
Derby, in part because of the shorter distance. Only
one of Big Brown’s fellow Kentucky Derby veterans is
under consideration for the Preakness.
Recapturetheglory, who ran near the lead most of the
way in the Derby is now confirmed for the race. I
must admit I thought Recapturetheglory was a
pretender, but he ran a respectable race in the
Derby. The crowd noise was bugging him, so the
trainer says he will wear ear plugs for this race. I
expect a good run from him. His front running style
should be a benefit for him and could turn him into
one of the contenders..
The connections of Todd Pletcher and Eibar Coa are
going to be racing with another one of the Preakness
contenders, Harlem Rocker, who I believe is a legit
shot to pull the upset. Nick Zito is taking Stevil
who I couldn’t see beating Big Brown in a million
years. He is coming off of a 4th place finish in the
Bluegrass and John Valazquez will be up for the
mount. Maybe he thinks he can pick up a check for
third or fourth? Behindatthebar is also going to run
off of his Lexington win. Racecar Rhapsody, most
recently 4th in the Lexington is going to give it a
shot. Robby Albarado is looking to defend his title
in this race after winning with Curlin in 2007.
Trainer Ken McPeek was quoted as saying that they
are probably running for second.
I almost forgot about Kentucky Bear. That horse is
going to make noise at some point in his career.
Whether this is that time or not, I don’t know. He
was very impressive running third in the Bluegrass
after going nine wide in only his third race at odds
that were around 27-1. I had him in that race, and
hope to have him the next time he runs. I have a lot
of respect for his trainer, but ironically cant
recall his name. It was a gutsy move to go to the
Bluegrass and I would say he made the right move.
The Bear (when people start calling him this I’m
going to take credit for it) could post an upset
here. He is fresh and coming off of his best race.
Anything could happen with this one. Mark him down
in the contenders column.
Odds are that Big Brown wont go down in the
Preakness. I am still holding my breath on Harlem
Rocker, but he is probably the only one who can beat
him. His biggest test, as with any Triple Crown
hopeful, will come in the Belmont Stakes. Denis of
Cork and Colonel John will be waiting for him and
they will be fresh. Tomcito is also hoping he can
get lucky. Speaking of Tomcito his Lexington run is
a bit deceiving. Speed was holding on well that
race, and he was closer than usual to the pace.
Jorge Chavez has lost the mount in favor Cornelio
Velasquez
Don’t get too excited for this year’s edition of
Preakness. The real show will take place in Elmont,
New York on June 7, 2008. Remember that date,
because it could be historic. Countless horses have
entered the Belmont after winning the first two
Triple Crown races. Big Brown wont be without his
challengers, and I am not conceding the Triple Crown
to him yet. He will have to earn it, just like
Affirmed, Secretariat and the other legends.
Have a look at our other Preakness articles :
Big Brown Favored to win the Preakness