Preakness field rundown

1. Astrology (15/1)

Looking back at the charts from the April race at Aqueduct, the inside was not a good spot on the track. Anyone that started on the rail that day did not win and Adios Charlie was wide and off the rail early on in the Jerome. Astrology finally got into gear when taken off the rail in that race as well. Astrology is the consistent sort and could merit a chance with a decent value in the win pool.

2. Norman Asbjornson (30/1)

Exits the Wood Memorial, which retained its title as the worst prep race to be in with two defections of key contenders before the Derby was run (Uncle Mo and Toby’s Corner). He did close into a slow pace in the Wood though.

3. King Congie (20/1)

Who?

4. Flashpoint (20/1)

Pretty light on the experience side and will likely be up on the pace with Shackleford.

5. Shackleford (12/1)

Got away with a comfortable lead and easy fractions in the Derby, he looked like he hit a wall in the last eighth of a mile in that race as well. More than likely he will see some competition up front in this one as well.

6. Sway Away (15/1)

Went zero for three in stakes company and made a premature move in the Arkansas Derby. Nehro was third out of that race and Archarcharch was well off the board. Mixed signs on that front and this one could better fitted for sprints base on his record.

7. Midnight Interlude (15/1)

Went from maiden to derby also ran in two races and could be up against it based on experience alone. Not to mention that the Southern California contingent has had a sour winter and spring as well.

8. Dance City (12/1)

Another speed here, this one is another Arkansas Derby new shooter.

9. Mucho Macho Man (6/1)

Always seems to run a decent to good race and showed a different dimension with his closing kick at Chuchill Downs. Would not be a shocker if this one got to the winner’s circle.

10. Dialed In (9/2)

His dramatic one run running style worked against him last out and is aiming for a big purse here. It will be hard to leave him out of the exotics and multis.

11. Animal Kingdom (2/1)

Could he win this race? Sure. Is he worth the bet at the fraction of the odds that you were getting two weeks ago? Probably not. By no means is this horse a lock for this leg, some of the new shooters have a chance and the returning Derby foes have a solid case for a rebound performance. This is a race that is worth shopping around for value in the win pool. As for the exotics and multis, it is probably a good idea to include this one for protection from a bust with juiced up odds in these pools.

12. Isn’t He Perfect (30/1)

If this is a question, then the answer is no.

13. Concealed Identity (30/1)

Probably will run like he is in witness protection here.

14. Mr. Commons (20/1)

If this horse wins, look for the stud fee on Artie Schiller to shoot up shortly after the results.