2018 Preakness Handicapping, Analysis & Picks From BigTrends.com

Posted by jbrumley on May 18, 2018 2:16 PM

This Saturday marks the Preakness at the Pimlico race track in Maryland, the 2nd leg of Horse Racing's Triple Crown. Justify took home the Kentucky Derby on a sloppy track (the 6th favorite in a row to win the Derby). It's expected to be a very wet track for the Preakness as well, which I think further helps the favorite. Not to mention that trainer Bob Baffert is 4-for-4 in his previous Derby winners going on to win the Preakness. Let's see if we can pair up any other horses with the favorite for a potential respectable payday.

Here are my Preakness picks:

Justify (Post Position 7: 1-2) has everything going his way, the only question is if he will be as good as his spectacular Derby stamina after very fast opening fractions this time as well. I think he's pretty close to American Pharoah (winner of the Triple Crown in 2015), though this crop of 3 year olds is deeper and more talented than the 2015 group. At these low odds we have to pair the favorite with other horses to open up better payouts.

Lone Sailor (PP 2: 15-to-1) is one of the few horses outside the favorite who really seems to have some closing kick, which will still be important in this 1-3/16 mile classic. He ran 8th in the Derby and now gets a new jockey in Irad Ortiz. I like the potential for a strong closing finish here for Lone Sailor.

Good Magic (PP 5: 3-to-1) is the second best horse in the field of 8 based on his consistent finishes, never worse than third. Yet I like Lone Sailor to get up for 2nd as a better payout possibility so I'll put Good Magic third.

Bravazo (PP 8: 20-1) and then Quip (PP 1: 12-1) round out my top 5.

Bets to consider:

  • $10 win on No. 2
  • $10 Exacta Box on 2, 7
  • $2 Trifecta Box on Nos. 2, 5 and 7
  • $1 Trifecta on 7 with 2,5 with 1,2,5,8

Best of Luck!
Price

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