Race has always meant to be a major prep for the Preakness, but it has never been that way with the Kentucky Derby and the preps leading into that one.
Maybe prior to WWII it was, but it is still a very nice race on a solid stakes day at Laurel.
We will also get 11 hopefully to the gate:
Takedown: They didn't expect much opening this one up in a MC$20K at Ellis Park. He hasn't let down the connections much since then winning twice and being around and in the mix. Bullet work coming in. There are some things to like for this likely 20/1+ shot.
Still Having Fun: Hasn't done much wrong outside of being pinched in his last in the Private Terms. I can't write much more other than he may well be a deserving favorite. Has to be respected.
Not Fake News: If anything is fake, CNN and this horse are it. Took 7 tries to break his maiden including a trio of trips at Penn. Really hard to see.
Noble Commander: Hard to find many more blown up resumes than this one and Brian Stelter, as we have a $235K purchase that has faced state-breds to start his career, and romped in his wins with little pushback. Should be tougher here. Demand a price if you are to wager.
Split Verdict: Mixed signals. I'm really not sure if he is good or not. Could be a really good horse. Could be nothing. Hard to argue with what he has done thus far, but just wish he showed more late. Serious contender I suppose. 10/1 might stick. Pass.
Diamond King: Not sure he can get 2 turns, but he is the likely chalk. Should be in the mix, but extremely beatable IMO.
Navy Commander: Won two in a row by a combined 17 1/4 lengths. Regardless of where that is run, it has to be respected. Had some problems early in races, but has kind of got it figured now. Paco climbs aboard, is this a wire to wire upset kind of play? Pretty damn interesting.
American Lincoln: Yes, it took him nearly 2 minutes to win a 9F race, but he did win by 18 lengths. Seems to be a huge ask here either way. Hard to see him hitting the board. Pass.
Dynamic Asset: The Gaudet royalty will be interested, and his last one certainly has to have them sparked. Post will make it obviously tougher. I have to toss.
V.I.P. Code: He has hit the board 7 out of 9 races and been 22/1 or more in 4 of them. This is the Rodney Dangerfield in this field who has ran against much better every time. He just pegged a new high going the longest he has ever gone, with hope of moving forward even more. Tough horse that could be anything.
Holland Park: Maiden buster from the 'Duct, that really hasn't ran a bad race. Time off since February, puts on blinkers, and some very solid works. Kiaran can ship. Dangerous.
Summary:
Not sure how I'll play it yet.
