Undaunted by defeat, we roll into Pimlico, I mean Laurel, with our annual irreverent review of the Preakness Stakes. Enjoy!
Well, Dear Readers, there is little more that can be said by Your Faithful Correspondent (YFC) about this year’s Kentucky Derby won by Golden Tempo other than this – G#$%@&^*it!
Further Ado’s pinballed start made sure that YFC was relieved of 2 minutes of anxiety as that one’s race was over in those first 2 seconds. Let’s just say that the victory by Golden had his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, rightfully showered with praise while YFC took…a bath.
But, ATM card in hand, we strike out resolutely in search of future glory in this year’s Preakness Stakes.
For those not paying attention, this year’s Preakness Stakes will be run at Maryland’s Laurel Park, while the traditional home of the Preakness at Pimlico is rebuilt as a “fan friendly” racing palace – which (speaking of ATM cards) of course means $25 for parking, $18 beers and $12 hot dogs. Laurel Park itself will be torn down next year when all Maryland racing returns to Pimlico. And Churchill Downs of Kentucky has actually acquired the intellectual property rights to the Preakness in Maryland.
Confused? Yeah, me too. Hopefully less confused than I was about this year’s Derby. Onward and upward! The field for this year’s Preakness Stakes – in post position order.
Golden Tempo
Connections of the Derby winner are actually NOT running in the Preakness, continuing a trend that has sharpened in the last several years. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has never run a horse back in less than two weeks time and was not about to start now. Good for the horse, I’m sure. Good for the trainer to stick to her guns. For the sport? For the Preakness? Errr…not so good.
Taj Mahal
Likely to be out front early, winner of 3 straight on the Maryland circuit would still be a monumental upset.
Ocelli
When this one took the lead with a 16th of a mile to go in the Derby YFC was heard to spout “Oh, F*%# me!” A win would have made this yet to win a race horse the 3rd longest odds in the history of the Derby in the winner’s circle. Safe to say this guy won’t be 70-1 on Saturday. Investors of the horse racing ilk need to decide if performance in the Derby was a fluke or is the horse putting it all together? YFC says fluke but would be a whale of an upset were he to win.
Crupper
Bought the wrong vowel.
Robusta
1 lifetime win in 6 starts. Unlikely the 7th time will be heavenly.
Talkin’
It’s put up or shut up time for this 1 win in 5 starts horse on Saturday. Leaning more towards shut up.
Chip Honcho
Is that what they call the boss at the ice cream stand? Here’s a scoop – will get creamed.
The Hell We Did
In 4 starts trainer Todd Fincher’s charge has never finished out of the money. Fifth time may be the harm.
Bull By The Horns
Was entered in the May 9th Peter Pan Stakes in New York but scratched there to run here. Maybe should have taken a flyer on the New York race but not without a chance given likelihood of a fast pace Saturday.
Iron Honor
In last “effort,” had a near impossible task at the Wood Memorial, his place in the starting gate practically in the parking lot of the soon to be demolished Aqueduct Race Course. Speed figures for Chad Brown entrant have been on a declining pattern. YFC declines to bet this one at likely short odds.
Napoleon Solo
Guessing this guy likely to say “Uncle” when the real running starts.
Corona de Oro
Hate to burst Sun’s bubble here but early speed type unlikely to get the gold.
Incredibolt
6th place finisher in this year’s Derby hopes to make an incredible turnaround here. Probable pace scenario does give this gut a chance.
Great White
Delayed the start of the Derby when flipping over as they approached the starting gate. He bites.
Pretty Boy Miah
Expect to see Miah out front early. YFC would not want to be you-ah betting on this one as expecting this boy to be pretty much done when the real racing starts.
Selection
Iron Honor stands out given his connections, Chip Honcho has faced better and Ocelli may be a horse on the rise. Nevertheless, it’s a great family story that I can’t repeat here but in tribute to my dear departed late mother-in-law going to make Bull By The Horns top selection here at a big price.
Good luck and hold all tickets!
