Hickory Hill Hoff's 2008 Preakness graded selections

BIG BROWN (#7) Desormeaux / Dutrow 1-2
As much as I didn’t like him one bit in the Kentucky Derby… I love him in this spot, Proved me wrong two weeks ago and should handle this group of “new shooters”, looks like a “lock”… bet him today.

YANKEE BRAVO (#4) Solis / Gallagher 15-1
Looking for a price underneath the logical winner & this closer could be the one, late charge in the Santa Anita Derby and recent workout points to improved effort, looks the best of the late closers.

HEY BYRN (#13) Lopez / Plesa 20-1
Became a different horse at Gulfstream Park as a three year old with three out of four victories , may be forced to go to the lead from far outside post, solid shot for in the money finish.

KENTUCKY BEAR (#8) Theriot / Baker 15-1
Rallied at 27-1 in the Bluegrass Stakes for 3rd which is now looking like a negative “key” race, only other stake race effort was no factor & lightest raced of the group, should be a square price.

ICABAD CRANE (#3) Rose / Motion 30-1
Won the Federico Tesio Stakes a prep for this over the Pimlico strip, this NY state bred closer teams up the ’05 winning jockey of this race,
could he be this year’s Oliver’s Twist?

GAYEGO (#12) Smith / Lobo 8-1
Only other horse from the Derby to run back here two weeks later, no factor with dull effort that day & gets blinkers on for this effort, taking a stand against this possible second choice in the betting.

MACHO AGAIN (#1) Leparoux / Stewart 20-1
Winner of the Derby Trial at seven & a half furlongs last start, all three lifetime victories were sprinting & one “two turn” race was no factor, needs to step up big time.
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GIANT MOON (#11) Dominguez / Schosberg 30-1
Even no factor third in the Wood Memorial, this NY bred may keep Big Brown busy up front, bullet work at Belmont Park for this.

RILEY TUCKER (#10) Prado/ Mott 30-1
Zayat runner winless as a three year old, only victory was first lifetime start sprinting last July.

RACECAR RHAPSODY (#6) Albarado / McPeek 30-1
Like the above horse…shows only maiden win sprinting on polytrack, another of several horses entered here way over their head.

TRES BORRACHOS (#2) Baze / Greely 30-1
This gelding’s claim to fame was a no factor third in the Arkansas Derby well behind Gayego, never been less than 7-1.

STEVIL (#9) Velazquez / Zito 30-1
A Zito runner that has been 68-1 & 95-1 in his last two starts, an unusual “throw out” from the Zito barn much like the above three horses.