For quite some time now, the folks in Maryland have had a statement they still stand by…”They only run the Kentucky Derby to find out who is good enough for the Preakness”.
Not sure if I adopt to that philosophy, but nevertheless, the 150th Preakness is now upon us. This mile and three sixteenths journey over some mid-Atlantic dirt promises to be another exciting renewal of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. We will NOT have the Kentucky Derby winner, but a very balanced field will make their way to the starting gates at Pimlico Race Course. Who will emerge triumphant in what is supposed to be the final edition of this race at old Hilltop? Let’s take a look at the entrants by post position,, jockey, trainer, morning line, and provide a thought on each.
1 Goal Oriented (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert 6-1)-Unbeaten in two lifetime starts with an Eclipse Award winning rider and Hall of Fame trainer but is that enough here? Never count Bob Baffert out in these type races, but this is a BIG ask for a colt that has not raced in Stakes company.
2 Journaliam (Umberto Rispoli, Mike McCarthy 8-5)- No doubt the horse to beat. Didn’t exactly get to run his race and still almost won the Kentucky Derby. Much smaller field means it is his race to lose as he seems to show up everytime.
3 American Promise ( Nik Juarez, D. Wayne Lukas 15-1) – His Virginia Derby win was super speedy and very impressive. Veteran conditioner has recently won this race with two longer shots (Oxbow at 15-1 in 2013, Seize the Grey at 9-1 in 2024). Does that mean the Coach can pull it off again? Not our first choice but could be a player.
4 Heart of Honor (Saffie Osborne, Jamie Osborne 12-1)_ Dubai shipper that was a tough luck second in UAE Derby last out. Two wins and four seconds in six career starts means he always seems to be right there but has never raced in the USA. His Heart will be tested here.
5 Pay Billy (Raul Mena, Michael Gorman 20-1)- Won the local preps at Laurel and has three wins in four starts this year. Locals like this usually don’t win but can find their way into the trifecta or superfecta. He has not faced this type of competition, but if Billy can crack the top three it will Pay.
6 River Thames ( Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd Pletcher 9-2)- New York-bred has two wins, a second, and a third in four starts and a great jockey/trainer combo. Last start was a third in Bluegrass Stakes so he comes in fresh. He could be close but not sure he gets the cigar in this one.
7 Sandman (John Velazquez Mark Casse 4-1) Johnny V is a great gate jockey and getting this striking son of Tapit into the race early is the key. Mark Casse won 2019 Preakness with War of Will after a seventh place finish in the Derby. Sandman was a troubled seventh in the Derby. HMMMMM !
8 Clever Again (Jose Ortiz, Steve Asmussen 5-1)- Speed and more speed is what he brings and at Pimlico speed can be dangerous. This son of American Pharoah has two wins and a second in three career starts but has yet to run in graded stakes company. He should make things lively early in the race.
9 Gosger (Luis Saez, Brendan Walsh 20-1)-Another lightly raced colt with two wins and a second in three career starts. Stalked the pace and pounced in winning the Lexington Stakes in his last start. Jockey is a guy that can get it done and this is our live longshot that can bring home some bacon.
