Preakness 137

A fantastic day of Saturday stakes races unfolds with the 2012 Preakness being the centerpiece of a fine day of horse racing.  We will take a look at that fabulous race and a nice Turf stakes race, both at bountiful Pimlico.

Pimlico Race 3 {Gallorette Handicap~G3~1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A group of seven Turf veterans go to the Pimilico grass.  It appears to be a contest between the forwardly placed and those tracking the pace.  It should be a dandy.

#3 Zagora [FR] (Castellano / C. Brown) appears to be the likely favorite with the third highest last out speed number and three quality workouts.  She holds the highest overall speed number over the green and is unquestionably the best in class.  This French bred should track and pounce.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Smart Sting (J. Velazquez / Attfield) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number at a longer turf distance, a two race progression, and three robust workouts.  This consistent gal will be coming fast from off the pace.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Laughing [IRE] (Dominguez / Goldberg) should be in contention with the highest last out speed number after a layoff, she is working a two race progression, and has raced well overseas.  She could surprise with a nice tracking run.

#1 Camelia Rose [FR] (Gutierrez / Callaghan) looks ready to make a first strike off the turn with a couple of decent last out speed numbers.  She is coming off a longer Turf route with one superb workout.  Expect her to be near the front.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Zagora [FR] / #5 Smart Sting / #7 Laughing [IRE] / #1 Camelia Rose [FR].


Pimlico Race 12--PREAKNESS 137 {1 3/16 mile~3 year old~G1 Stakes}
A significantly smaller field than that of KD138.  Eleven wonderfully bred horse will pony up to the gate for the second race in the Triple Crown.  There will be five runners coming out of the Kentucky Derby and another six new shooters.  Unlike the Derby, this race will have a minimum in speed.  Consequently, the lone speedster, Bodemeister, could wire the field.

#7 Bodemeister (Smith / Baffert) is quite capable of wiring the field with his blistering speed.  Left unchallenged while running a steady, swift pace, he could blast from the gate and be gone.  This young colt has the highest speed number over a dirt surface, the second highest last out speed number, and two prodigious workouts.  Clearly he will be the one to beat.
$2 WIN.

#9 I'll Have Another (Gutierrez / O'Neill) will challenge the speedster with a nice pressing attack.  The Kentucky Derby 138 winner holds the highest last out speed number, has a two race progression, and has put in an efficient workout in the last 30 days.  Should the front runner falter, this son of Flower Alley could capture the second leg of the Triple Crown.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Went the Day Well (J. Velazquez / Motion) looks ready to run a big race with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, finishing fourth in KD138, working a three race progression, and putting in two hearty workouts.  Should the pace heat up, this colt could benefit greatly.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Creative Cause (Rosario / Harrington) is another sitting on a huge race sharing the third highest last out speed number, holding a two race progression, and putting in two stout, peaking workouts.  With a fast pace, this guy could run up to his capability.

#2 Teeth of the Dog (Bravo / Matz) could be the big surprise with the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four superb, peaking workouts.  This "new shooter" could sit right off the two front runners ready to pose a first strike in the stretch.  He will be stretching out another 110 years from his last out effort.

10 CENT Superfecta

#7 Bodemeister / #9 I'll Have Another / #5 Went the Day Well / #6 Creative Cause, #2 Teeth of the Dog.



Friday's Results
Pimlico R10.  Black-Eyed Susan--G2.  Our first pick, Wildcat's Smile, finished 3rd for show money of $8.60.  Our second pick, Welcome Guest, finished 6th.  Our third pick, Mamma Kimbo, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 7-2-8-4.
Bankroll gains a smile to $14.82.