Handicapping this year’s Preakness Stakes will be all about the conditions. Condition No. 1: Muth, who I thought would take a stalking position behind Imagination, was scratched. What I anticipated would occur was once Muth made his initial move, the others would then react. So who now will take that pursuing position? Condition No. 2: It appears it’s going to rain a good portion of the day on Saturday, so who has already run well on an off-track, who hasn’t, and who has the potential to? Condition No. 3: How is the track playing, is speed holding up? We’ll have to watch the races leading up to the Preakness to answer that question. Condition No. 4: Can horses who are normally farther back in the pack stay closer to the pace?
My selections taking most of those factors into consideration:
Catching Freedom: Keeps getting better, has run well on an off-track and hopefully won’t be too far back.
Mystik Dan: Derby winner & has sparkled on an off-track.
Tuscan Gold: lightly raced colt, ran a big number in the Louisiana Derby, trainer Chad Brown has been pointing to this one.
Just Steel: Derby was horrible but there will be less traffic here. If he runs back to that Arkansas Derby number back in March, he could win and he has run two fair races in the slop.
Imagination: Will be on the lead and could have everything his own way. Has the best trainer in the land (Bob Baffert).
Win & Place wager on Catching Freedom
Exacta Key: Catching Freedom on top with Mystik Dan, Tuscan Gold, Just Steel & Imagination in the second position
Exacta Key: Mystik Dan, Tuscan Gold, Just Steel & Imagination on top with Catching Freedom in the second position
—written by DraftKings Director of Race and Sportsbook Operations Johnny Avello
See all of VSiN horse racing expert Mike Somich’s horse racing 101 betting tips here: How to Bet on Horse Racing: Tips, Strategies for Betting on DK Horse
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Johnny Avello is an employee of DraftKings. Personal views on the races and strategies above do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in selecting their horses to wager upon. DraftKings employees may also deploy different strategies than what is recommended above. DraftKings employees do not have access to any non-public information.
Lines and odds subject to change.
