2009 Preakness Stakes Predictions and Picks
Jarrod Horak - May 14th, 2009 .I have had success playing back my Kentucky Derby selections in the Preakness (Tank’s Prospect, Snow Chief, Risen Star, Hansel, Pine Bluff, Timber Country, Point Given), and I am going to the well once again with Pioneerof The Nile with my 2009 Preakness Stakes predictions.
Pioneerof The Nile had won four straight prior to the Derby, and he looked home free at Churchill, but Mine That Bird flew on by in the lane. He still fought hard for the place, and his final drill for the Preakness was strong. He has seemingly acclimated to conventional dirt, and I am anticipating an exciting battle with the filly.
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Rachel Alexandra has been untouchable in her last five stakes routes and was especially impressive in the Kentucky Oaks. She comes back in two weeks for new connections and meets a solid group of males. I respect her early/pressing speed but fear she will be overbet.
Friesan Fire had everything go wrong as the beaten up Derby favorite. He bounced back with a strong Pimlico drill and figures to go much better this time around. I will include the Larry Jones runner in exotics.
Musket Man always runs his race and posted a strong Monmouth Park work for this. Overchiever is a must use in exotics.
Papa Clem ran better than I expected in the Derby, but I have never been a big fan of the Arkansas Derby winner, and he will not be on my tickets in the second jewel.
General Quarters has been inconsistent recently, and note that he has lost six of his last seven dirt starts. I will let him beat me.
Big Drama will be part of the pace, but I am not sure if he is up to this distance with one sprint prep in the last five months.
Take the Points is back on preferred dirt and has been pointing to this since the Santa Anita Derby. I like his positional speed but think he is most effective at shorter distances.
Terrain has lost all of his route attempts, but I would not be shocked if the late runner snuck into the trifecta.
Mine That Bird ran out of his mind in the Derby, but his prior speed ratings suggest that effort was a fluke. Let’s see him do it again!
Flying Private flopped from a tough post position on the first Saturday in May. He is better than that but not good enough to threaten these.
Local hope Tone It Down appears over matched, along with Wayne Lukas trainee Luv Gov.
Here are my best bets for the 2009 Preakness. A win bet on Pioneerof The Nile, followed by a trifecta keying Pioneerof The Nile over Musket Man, Friesan Fire, Terrain, and Rachel Alexandra.
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mine that bird came home in 23.4 in the mud!44 years of handicapping, and i never saw a horse past a mile, come close to that. par being 24.