It’s Preakness time! Always Dreaming comes to Pimlico the heavy and deserving favorite to head to Belmont Park for a shot at a Triple Crown. Let’s take a look at him and his competition this Saturday.
(Discuss this on the BSL Board here.)
1-Multiplier 30-1: Ran a good race to win the Illinois Derby last out, but it doesn’t appear that he’ll be able to hang with these. Could be a monster down the line, but not just yet.
2-Cloud Computing 12-1: Ran very competitive races in New York all spring vs. some of the top contenders from the Derby a few weeks back. His speed figures rank favorably with the tops in this field, with the second highest Beyer as a 3 year old to Always Dreaming (96). Could use in exotics.
3-Hence 20-1: I liked him as a longshot in Kentucky, and was dead wrong, as he ran 11th and was never in contention. Steve Asmussen is taking another shot here, and why not. He’s definitely better than he ran in the Derby, but he’s not as good as I had hoped.
4-Always Dreaming 4-5: The Champ is here! He’s looked flawless in workouts this week, and hasn’t missed a beat since arriving from Louisville. He’s a perfect 4-4 this year, and I don’t see anyone beating him at Pimlico. As close to a lock as there can be.
5-Classic Empire 3-1: He had a rough trip in the Derby and still was able to rally to finish 4th. It’s a little deceiving as he still lost ground in the stretch, but I’m willing to forgive it and expect him to tun big on Saturday. He could win, but I would expect second or third.
6-Gunnavera 15-1: Here’s a deep closer who could pick up a piece if there’s a speed duel. Now there’s not a ton of speed in here, but if the race falls apart, this guy could come flying down the stretch.
7-Term of Art 30-1: No shot. he ran a decent third 2 races back, but the two that finished ahead of him didn’t even advance to the later stakes races in California. Finished 6th in the Santa Anita Derby, and was no match for Gormley or Battle Of Midway. Pass.
8-Senior Investment 30-1: Another horse who comes from far back, that would benefit from some early speed. Won the Lexington at 11-1 from off the pace. I don’t like him on Saturday, but maybe for exotics he’s worth a look.
9-Lookin at Lee 10-1: He ran GREAT in the Derby, rallying for second at 32-1. Don’t expect another dream trip in here, but he just might have the talent to get it done. Definitely improving, and I give him a shot in here.
10-Conquest Mo Money 15-1: Here’s one that I really like in the Preakness. He’s the only speed in the race besides Always Dreaming, and he’s been game as can be in every one of his four starts. I don’t think he will win, but if he goes wire to wire in here, i wouldn’t be totally shocked.
I’ll probably play a few Straight Exactas with Always Dreaming on top:
$500 Exacta Always Dreaming/Conquest Mo Money
$200 Exacta Always Dreaming/Looking at Lee
$200 Exacta Always Dreaming/Classic Empire
$100 Exacta Always Dreaming/Cloud Computing
As always, bet with your head, not over your head.
Seth, a die hard fan of Orioles Baseball and Tar Heel Basketball has been in the gambling industry for 20 plus years. He’s been trying to find the secret to picking winners even longer than that. Seth lives in Eldersburg Maryland with his wife and two children.