Handicapper Tips & Picks

This year's edition of the Preakness is a wildy fun race!! It's going to be unlike any edition we've seen, especially recently. Instead of Pimlico, the race will be run at nearby Laurel Park. The 1 3/16 miles distance remains but there won't be the concern of those massive Triple Crown crowd days as less than 5,000 spectators will be allowed in to watch the race.

After it appeared at one point that we may not see any Kentucky Derby entrants return, four are back, three who ran in the Derby as well as the late scratched Great White, who acted up prior to the Derby start.

The running of the 18 horse Kentucky Derby was a complete mess! There was an insane amount of bumping and traffic to go along with a ridiculous pace upfront. This race could be very much the same.

I went on top with 5-TALKIN as he picks up Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle for trainer Danny Gargan. I like the running style as he should be in a good stalking spot. He ran a respectable race in the Blue Grass and comes in off a lights out workout at Keeneland on May 9. I don't think there's any chance we get 20-1, but 12-1 to 15-1 may be possible.

12-INCREDIBOLT ran one of the best, and most overlooked, races in the Derby. He was knocked all over the place, had to alter course numerous times, and still came flying late, beaten only four lengths at the wire and galloping out very well. With another likely quick and contested pace upfront, he should be running on again late.

2-OCELLI is still a maiden but he was the second biggest beneficiary behind Golden Tempo when the ridiculous upfront speed battle took place in the Derby. The outside draw actually helped in that spot as he avoided much of the traffic, but he shifts inside here and is likely to need some racing luck to win.

9-IRON HONOR takes the blinkers off for the Preakness as he comes in posting one of the highest career Beyers of anyone in the field. With the blinks off, he should be able to settle a bit early as he will also be picking off horses in the stretch.