Today is thoroughbred racing's second leg of the Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes. Unlike the Kentucky Derby , this race which is a sixteenth of a mile less than the Derby is more predictable with the outcome and payouts much more less. Last year I had my eight year winning streak of cashing a ticket in this race broken and it's a proven fact that horses who raced in the Kentucky have a big edge running back today at Pimlico racetrack. Six of the twenty horses that competed in the Derby , return for this race including the top two finishers. The winner of this race will come from these horses. But, it doesn't hurt looking at the five "new shooters" to spice up your exotic plays and we'll look at the stats of the last fifteen Preakness runnings and how the outcome bodes in the wagering.
The average winning mutual is 4-1 ($10) during this time. The two glaring expectations were last year with Shackleford and in 2006, when the odds-on favorite; Barbaro (1-2) pulled up shortly after the start because of his injury and "new shooter" Bernardini won the race at nearly 13-1. No horse in 29 years has won the Preakness and paid over $31.00 and that was the locally based; Deputed Testimony in 1983. So it's fair to say that the "winner" will come from the Derby raced horses and most likely be under double digit odds.
But, much like the Kentucky Derby runner-up (expect for this year) the Preakness 2nd place finisher does hold value in recent times. The average exacta payouts are over $92, which is good with the recent winners paying under double digits. Twice in the last four years, the runner-up was over 20-1 and the exactas were over $100. The same could be said for the trifectas also, especially often in recent years since "new shooter" seem to sneak into these exotic plays. Also, we will be able to play dime superfectas for the Preakness Stakes. The route to go in this race is to; use the Derby horses in the win spot and sprinkle the plays underneath with double digit runners and some "new shooters".
Thoroughbred racing has really taken it on the chin in recent weeks. The New York Times article on the perception of cruelty in the sport and problems once again with NYRA and New York State . It's seems that the misguided media brings out these things every time around either the Triple Crown races or the start of the Saratoga season. A victory today by I'll Have Another would direct some positive light on the sport we love and give it the due respect of the Sport of Kings. I've said before, the overwhelming access of media today whether via print, television, radio or internet has brought more focus on sports in general today. Add that with the countless number of sports talk shows and sometimes the "facts" get muddled with opinions and agendas out to destroy our sport. Let's give this a rest from today and until after the Belmont Stakes, if I'll Have Another wins the Preakness. Let's get that "Triple Crown" hype in full gear instead of what's wrong with the sport, while we are celebrating our sport's main season. The world today is too complicated with over reaction, misguided information and "trusted" media writers quote; "jumping the gun". Can we just once, enjoy the sport without bringing in down and spoiling it's elegance . I am, sick of what the procession by some is doing to thoroughbred racing with it's reporting. It's sad how people who represent the sport are trying their best to destroy it. Let's stop now, before it's too late and enjoy what's "on track" each and every day!
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