Preakness...What will we see?

With Nyquist showing that the favorites role in the Kentucky Derby was well deserved, he goes on to Maryland and Pimlico to pursue the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Who will he find there in the gate with him? The field will be set Wednesday...let's take a look at a few possible challengers.

EXAGGERATOR. Why not? He was closing on Nyquist down the stretch in the Derby and had to overcome some significant traffic problems on the turn. Nyquist got a clean trip. Even though he can't seem to beat him, he's getting closer and it makes sense to try him again in a shorter field.

GUN RUNNER. We won't know for sure until Wednesday whether Steve Asmussen will take the 'Runner' to the gate. More early speed would be needed and the ability to hang with Nyquist in the final eighth...the horse is certainly capable of both.

COLLECTED. He's out of Baffert's barn and won the Lexington at Keenland and in Sunland's Festival of Racing. A new challenge but one that seems within the realm of possibility. He'll hang close to the pace and then make a move with a couple of furlongs left. If Javier Castellano climbs on board again, don't rule him out. 

STRADIVARI. From the Todd Pletcher barn, this three year old made a huge impression winning in allowance company at Keeneland by 14 1/2 lengths. They may just have to come catch him if he gets in the gate at Pimlico. 

AWESOME SPEED. He's a big fan of the Pimlico track, having won the Federico Tesio a couple of weeks back and his name describes his running style. He also doesn't like to get passed...as the Federico stretch run indicates. He's a "wise guy" favorite and "horse for the course" consideration. 

These are five that have a shot at knocking off the Derby winner...in my opinion...but they'd need to run their career bests to do so. Nyquist is still undefeated and the general consensus is that the battle this Saturday will be for second place.

It's horseracing. We'll see...but if the field goes as planned....I think you can rank them in order like this.

1) NYQUIST
2) EXAGGERATOR
3) GUN RUNNER
4) COLLECTED
5) STRADIVARI

LONGSHOT SPECIAL -- STRADIVARI. He's won his last two by a total of 26 lengths and just seems to glide effortlessly to the lead after following the pace for a mile or so. If Johnny Velasquez stays onboard, the fact that this one has only had three career starts won't matter...I'll figure him into all the exotics and could place a few dollars on him across the board as well. 

paulie
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