Handicapping the Grade I Preakness; Full-Card Selections

By Matt Pappis
Tracksideview Staff Writer —-

PIMLICO

143rd Preakness Day
Post Time: (10:30)/ 9:30/ 8:30/ 7:30

1: 4-1-7
2: 3-4-9-1
3: 7-8-1
4: 9-7-3-5
5: 6-9-3
6: 7-1-10

Race 7: Grade II Dixie (Turf)

Divisidero (8): We go back to the old cagey veteran who hasn’t been seen since October and now joins a new barn, if he has anything left he will be competitive here and overlooked.

World Approval (7): Has shown the ability to handle the soft going which he might see in this race. This champ is looking to win this event back to back.

Frostmourne (4): Took a big jump in class to the Maker’s Mile last out and while he didn’t win the track was a merry go round all day; he has the look of one who could step up and be a player in this division.

Race 8: Chick Lang Stakes

Mitole (5): This one lays over the field on every figure, he should blast off and be gone from the opening bell.

Curly’s Rocket (7): Has really put it together in his last two starts, this is a class test but he’s worth a look.

Pure Shot (3): The other Asmussen in the race, gets back on his preferred surface and should have no trouble handling the off going.

Race 9: Grade III Gallorette (Turf)

Ultra Brat (3): Went off as a huge price in her last vs a classy field, this spot is much more realistic and she might be forgotten in the wagering.

Elysea’s World (8): The class of the field, she will be on the wire but she likes to make it interesting and looks to be a short price for Brown.

Blessed Silence (6): Has kept quality company overseas, makes second start for the Clement barn that tends to warm up around this time, she is never going to be 12/1.

Race 10: Grade III Maryland Sprint

Switzerland (5): This one has been highly regarded for a while and finally seems to be putting it all together with the switch to the Asmussen barn, he will be hard to pass in the lane.

Long Haul Bay (9): Would benefit if there is a hot pace up front but historically when it rains at Pilmico it’s hard to pass horses in the lane.

Fellowship (8): Has back numbers that make him competitive here and also holds a win over the sloppy track.

Race 11: The Very One Stakes (Turf)

Chanteline (1): Back in December beat a horse named Triple Chelsea who went on to win multiple stakes including a win over Lady Aurelia; a reversal in form to that effort makes her live at a good number.

Just Talkin (12): Had a nice prep at Gulfstream for the step back into stakes company, not many better at sprinting on the turf then Servis.

Girls Know Best (7): Blew away a solid allowance field at Keeneland over the soft going, she runs that race again she’s in the mix here.

Race 12: Sir Barton Stakes

Ax Man (8): Much the one to beat here, he looks as though he bounced after coming back quick off the maiden win he has time between his last he should win this one easy.

Pony Up (2): Ran a game race in the Lexington coming from the clouds on a day where you needed to be close, he always fills in the tri and exacta but doesn’t typically win.

Whirlin Curlin (7): A slop play here for the underneath’s at a big number.

Race 13: Grade I Preakness Stakes Post Time: ( 6:48)/ 5:48/ 4:48/ 3:48

Justify (7): Bob Baffert has won the Preakness 6 times, 4 times being with Derby winners, a perfect record with that move. Someone will need to run the race of a life time and have Justify have something go wrong to win. Get your Belmont tickets before the race.

Tenfold (2): Has run three very good races and progressing in the right direction, I think he’s the one we haven’t seen the best from yet, he won’t be good enough to win, but he’s a big number for the exotics.

Good Magic (5): Very nice horse for Stonestreet and e5 but he had everything set up for him on Derby day and was no match for Justify; why would it be different this time ?

Race 14: 8-6-9

Pick 5 Race 9-13
$1 Pick 5: 3,5,6,8/5,8,9/1,7,12/ 8/7 = $36

Race 13: $1 Exacta
7/2,3,5,8 = $4

.50 Trifecta
7/2,3,5,8/ 1,2,3,5,8 = $10