Racetrack Lenny

Preakness Watch

It still appears there will be a full field of 14 for the Preakness this coming Saturday at Pimlico. As of today, it appears the field will consist of Giacomo, Closing Argument, Afleet Alex, Wilko, Greeley's Galaxy, High Limit, Malibu Moonshine, Scrappy T, Hal's Image, Galloping Grocer, High Fly, Noble Causeway, Sun King and Going Wild.

High Limit who fared poorly in the Derby picks up Edgar Prado. Prado is the regular rider for Sun King and has deserted that one. Obviously, he's lost a bit of confidence in Sun King who appears to be regressing at the wrong time. However, High Limit's Derby was such a clunker that one has to wonder if there isn't something wrong. Greeley's Galaxy's connections were quick to give Kent Desormeaux the hook replacing him with David Flores.

I think trainer Nick Zito will at most run 2 of his horses on Saturday. Sun King, Noble Causeway and High Fly are scheduled to work early this coming week and Zito will make up his mind. I think Sun King will get rested until the late summer. High Fly seems the likely starter. Noble Causeway's Derby was so bad it is indicative of something wrong or it could be the horse just didn't care for the track and you can toss out the race.

The Preakness is well known for always having the "horse for the course". This year, that horse is Malibu Moonshine who won the Frederico Tesio in a very tepid time. Still, a win is a win and Malibu Moonshine could have a say in the outcome. The gutsy New York based Scrappy T will go in the Preakness after his victory in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct in New York. Scrappy T showed a new dimension in the Withers, rating off the pace to come on and win by 3. A surprise is Galloping Grocer who appears to be distance challenged; however, he will ensure a lively pace.

Giacomo will not be the favorite; but, he will get some action at the windows since he is now a well known name. If he goes off double-digit odds, he may be worth a few bucks. The Preakness has been won more than a few times by a closer (remember Gate Dancer and Deputed Testamony). Even though Bellamy Road and Bandini are both injured and unable to race, there is still a lot of speed in the Preakness with Going Wild likely being the pacesetter. With that type of speed, it could be set up again for a closer. As of today, I am liking Afleet Alex's chances if he can get a clean trip.

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 6:36 PM