Post Time Pete's 135th Preakness Stakes Short List as of 5-12-2010
Contributed By Post Time PetePosted on 5/12/10 8:57 AM
It's still too early to finalize my picks for the 135th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Park this Saturday, May 15th 2010. Especially since the post draw doesn't take place until this afternoon. However, I felt it would be a good time to start laying out my choices and I'll post my final list on Friday (or Saturday should my picks change).
At this point I don't necessarily think Super Saver is the best horse in the field, but I can't leave him out of my Exacta box. Calvin Borel is an exceptional jockey and Super Saver seems to be improving.
Lookin At Lucky just got lucky with Baffert's decision to switch to Martin Garcia as his jockey. I know Garret Gomez fans will wholeheartedly disagree with that, but I think Lucky needed a change. Gomez is a great jockey, but I don't think the pairing worked well. That said, I think Dublin's chances improve with the addition of Gomez as his rider, so I see it as a win-win all around.
Kent Desormeaux was criticized for his ride of Paddy O'Prado in the Derby, being accused of not riding him hard enough in the final stretch allowing Ice Box to slip by and take 2nd. I think Ice Box was just the better horse and Paddy was wearing down. Kent believes he went one whip too hard on the horse and that was the reason he lost his steam. It's also possible that the distance was a bit too much for him and if that's the case, the Preakness won't be any easier. However, I think Desormeaux will be looking for some redemption with this ride, so as of now he's in the box.
Caracortado is my sleeper pick for this race. Many were not impressed with his run in the Santa Anita Derby, but I think this is another case of a Colt that is improving and a few months at this age can make a big difference.
So, here are my picks! Remember these are subject to change based on post position draw and odds. I'll post my final picks on Friday.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Pool 3 Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Super Saver | Todd A. Pletcher | Calvin Borel | 5-2 |
| 2 |
 |
Lookin At Lucky | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia | 4-1 |
| 3 |
 |
Dublin | D. Wayne Lukas | Garrett K. Gomez | 15-1 |
| 4 |
 |
Paddy O'Prado | Dale L. Romans | Kent J. Desormeaux | 6-1 |
| 5 |
 |
Caracortado | Michael Machowsky | Paul Atkinson | 30-1 |
Triple Crown Possibilities?
Does Super Saver have what it takes to win the Triple Crown? Calvin Borel seems to think so. "The colt is peaking right now at the right time," Borel said after the Kentucky Derby. "This colt might just get better. We're going to win the Triple Crown this year," he said.
I'm including Super Saver in my Exacta Box right now because I don't see how you can bet against him or Calvin Borel for that matter. However, he wasn't the best horse in the Derby (Ice Box was) and he isn't the best horse in the field of 13 slated to run in this year's Preakness. Sloppy track conditions and the best jockey at Churchill Downs all came together to make Super Saver a champion. I would love to see another triple crown winner and I'm certianly not counting Super Saver out, but I think Borel is going to have a challenge on his hands and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
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