Predictions for the 142nd Running of the Preakness Stakes

The 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD takes place this Saturday, with the post time at around 4:45 MST.  The second jewel of horse racing's famed Triple Crown is the shortest of the bunch at 1 3/16 miles, and the distance has certainly produced some upset winners in the past.

Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming is the 4-5 favorite and will break from the lucrative 4 post, which has produced a record number 13 Preakness winners.  Classic Empire, who finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby is the second favorite at 3-1 odds, and will break from the 5 post.  Sunland Derby winner Hence is a 12-1 long shot and will break from the 3 post, while Conquest Mo Money, who ran second at Sunland Park is listed as a 15-1 underdog, and will break from the 10 hole.

Other notable contenders include the 6 horse Gunnevera, who finished 7th in the Kentucky Derby, and Looking at Lee who is in the 9 hole, and finished second in the Derby.  Newcomers include Cloud Computing, Multiplier, Senior Investment and Term of Art.  The forecast for the race is 71 and partly sunny, so the track will be fast and in good condition.

Now the twenty-five-thousand dollar question remains, who do I like?  The Iceman did pick the correct winner for the Kentucky Derby in Always Dreaming, and I think the colt will be victorious in the Preakness Stakes too.  He is a superior horse who is well trained and has exceptional closing speed, not to mention an extremely favorable post position.  He also has 4 wins in 6 career starts including a victory in the Florida Derby.

I like Classic Empire to finish second, the colt has won 5 of his 8 career races and should run much better on a fast track.  Had he not gotten bumped in the Kentucky Derby, it is quite possible that he may have won the race.  Known as a pace setter and stalker, Classic Empire should be in the money.

Finally, I like Conquest Mo Money to finish third.  He looked great in his second place finish at the Sunland Derby, and is rather fresh because his trainer held him out of the Kentucky Derby.  This horse has the speed and agility to compete in this race, plus the distance favors a quality run by a colt who won his first three career races before finishing second to Hence in the Sunland Derby.

I'd say box 4-5-10 as your trifecta, and for a straight superfecta, bet a buck on 4-5-10-9. Enjoy the Preakness!