PREAKNESS 2020

I am going to take a slightly different approach from my Kentucky Derby analysis last month. Rather than comment on every horse in the race, I am only going to comment on a few.

Bob Baffert has won the Preakness 7 times and every Derby winner he has saddled in the Preakness, went on to win. That being said, #9 Authentic is the obvious choice. Johnny Velasquez will get challenged on the lead this time around, most likely by #4 Swiss Skydiver and #3 Art Collector. I am a little concerned that Art Collector will be the second choice as he was scratched from the Derby due to an injury. I think he is a nice horse, but he’s not for me as he hasn’t beaten any top-notch competition.

Bob Baffert’s other horse, #5 Thousand Words, flipped over in the paddock before the Derby and was scratched. I find him kind of interesting and wouldn’t be surprised if Baffert’s horses run 1st and 2nd or have two of three in the Trifecta.

Another horse I like is #8 Max Player. He received a terrible trip in the Derby and still finished 5th. His odds will be juicy and he has only ran against top competition.

I think #10 Pneumatic will outrun his long odds. He also has run against some good talent.

Lastly, why is #1 Excession even in this race as Steven Asmussen has two other really nice horses entered in the 8 and 10? Let's call this a defensive play as I do not have a high opinion of most horse trainers. If you have a hard time trusting a politician, definitely don't trust a horse trainer.

Historically speaking, exactas and trifectas where the favorite wins, followed by the second or third choice is rare. Should Authentic win, I’m expecting 1 to 2 bombers to finish behind him.

As always, I do not give out wagering strategies. However, the following numbers should be included in your ticket: 1,2,5,8,9,10.

Good luck!