We had a nice day yesterday, hitting the Pimlico Special winner at 5-1 and the Black-Eyed Susan at 6-1. Limited time for write-up analysis today, but here is how I see the Preakness, plus a tout for the Arabian horses in the 14th.
Race 13 7:01 EST Preakness Stakes I’ve got all my horizontals going through 8 Epicenter who I believe is going to be tough to beat in this spot. After finishing second in the Derby, trainer Steve Asmussen said that the plan for this colt was to have it be the 3YO champion. So, I don’t think they’d bring him back if they weren’t awfully confident in their chances today. If you think that Epicenter might not fire today, the only other logical choice is 5 Early Voting. Trainer Chad Brown is already on the record that they are going to send. If you don’t like Epicenter, but you like 4 Secret Oath to win, may I ask, “Why?” Because she’s had fifteen days off instead of fourteen? I like her a lot, just not on top. She’s no Swiss Skydiver. I think that the 7 Armagnac definitely goes with Early Voting, and maybe the 3 Fenwick also. What’s there to lose for these horses? They have little to no chance here. Epicenter gets a great trip just off the pace and explodes down the stretch. Underneath I like 2 Creative Minister who has some closing kick and has won his last two, and Secret Oath. I am also using 1 Simplification and 9 Skippylongstocking in my backups.
A: 8 B: 5
The plays: $7 Tri 8/2/4, $3 Tri 8/4/2, $1.50 Tri 5/8/1,2,4,9, $1 Tri 5/1,2,4,9/8
Total cost: $20
Race 14 7:43 EST UAE President Cup Stakes I placed an advance bet on the 3 Quick Sand Aa across the board here. Four for six lifetime in 8.5-furlong dirt races. Book it!
Best of luck today! Follow me on Twitter @HammerSheet for any spot plays leading up to the Preakness.