Preakness Stakes Highlights
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes brought together a competitive field of nine horses, with one standout contender favored at 8-5 and another who finished second in the recent Kentucky Derby.
Among the participants, horse number two, named Journalism, is expected to attract significant attention as he aims for what could be the biggest win of his career. Yet, the major talking point at Pimlico is the absence of certain top competitors.
Notably, Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby champion, has opted to skip the Preakness in favor of preparing for the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Bill Mott hasn’t shed much light on the decision, but it seems that the quick turnaround from the Derby to the Preakness played a crucial role in Sovereignty’s choice.
This development alters the dynamics within this race. It diminishes casual fans’ excitement, as they typically look forward to seeing Derby winners compete again. However, there’s a silver lining: without Sovereignty’s participation, analyzing the race might actually become a bit simpler.
Had Sovereignty raced, we might have faced a situation where the Derby’s top two finishers emerged as key favorites.
With Sovereignty out, the focus shifts to the horses who can make a mark in this race, positioning Journalism as a strong contender. Unless unforeseen events occur, it’s hard to imagine Journalism not finishing in the top group. Yet, given the likelihood of his short odds, you might want to consider diversifying your bets with options like Exactas and Trifectas.
Horse No. 9: Gosgar (20-1)
Gosgar, named after a Mets outfielder from the 1970s, is entering a pivotal moment in his racing career. He has shown improvement in each of his recent races, including a solid win at the Lexington Stakes. If he manages to enhance his past performances, he could potentially be a surprise contender for the top spots.
While Gosgar might be viewed as a long shot, he’s gaining traction among those looking beyond the more popular choices, which include Journalism and No. 7 Sandman.
Horse No. 8: Clever Again (5-1)
This horse could also make waves. With favorable outside post positions, Clever Again is positioned to capitalize and push towards the front — a strategy that often yields success.
Interestingly, there’s a chance that 5-1 odds could be more appealing than expected, particularly if bettors overlook him due to other more prominent competitors.
His under-the-radar status compared to others such as Journalism, Sandman, and Goal Orientation might just work in his favor.
Recommendation: Consider a Trifecta Box with horses 2, 8, and 9.
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