2009 Preakness Preview – Pimlico 2009
Event: The 134th Running Of The $1,000,000 Preakness Stakes – The Miiddle Jewel Of The Triple Crown
Date: Saturday May 16th, 2009
Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD
Post Time: 6:15PM (EST)
TV Network: NBC, 5:00PM (EST)
After watching one of the greatest upsets in Kentucky Derby history as 50-1 shot, Mine That Bird won going away, it is hard to know what to expect in next Saturday’s 134th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico race track in Baltimore.The final field of fourteen horses will not be set until Wednesday, May 13th, but here is a review of some of the top contenders for the second leg of this year’s Triple Crown.
2009 Preakness Stakes Contenders
Big Drama: Trainer, David Fawkes and Jockey, John Velazquez.
This horse was purposely held out of the Derby to train for this race. His biggest previous win was last year in the Delta Downs Jackpot. Do not be surprised if he comes in as one of the favorites in this race.
General Quarters: Trainer, Mark Miller and Jockey, Julien Leparoux.
With a disappointing 10th place finish in the Derby, some of the luster is off this horse. He is worth keeping an eye on as he is better suited for this race’s distance.
Hull: Trainer, Dale Romans and Jockey, Miguel Mena.
This is another horse that skipped the Derby to prep for this race. He is undefeated in three starts this year with his last win coming in the Derby Trial at Churchill. His stock should be on the rise closer to post time.
Mine That Bird: Trainer, Bennie Woolley and Jockey, Calvin Borel.
This horse became the darling of the Derby, going off at 50-1 and then winning by a stunning 6 ¾ lengths. You can guarantee he will not be that kind of long shot in this race as he tries to keep the Triple Crown hopes alive. Look for Borel to ride the rails again trying to steal another victory.
Musket Man: Trainer, Derek Ryan and Jockey, Eibar Coa.
With a strong third place finish at the Derby, I look for this horse to be one of the favorites in the Preakness. He has tremendous finishing speed which will be a factor in this race.
Papa Clem: Trainer, Gary Stute and Jockey, Rafael Bejarano.
He ran a solid race in the Derby staying within striking distance most of the way, finally finishing a close fourth. This will be one of the horses to watch in this race. He will run near the front and is more than capable of pulling off the win.
Pioneer of the Nile: Trainer, Bob Baffert and Jockey, Garrett Gomez.
While not yet officially committed to this race, he will most likely go off as the favorite should they decide to run him. He remains the best horse in the field and will look to avenge his second place finish in the Derby.
This race should be as wide open as the Derby with a number of horses having a chance to win.
The big story of the day will be Mine That Bird’s attempt to keep a Triple Crown dream alive, the undercard will be; can another 50-1 shot win this race as well?
2009 Preakness Stakes Prediction:
My predictions for the running of the 134th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico:
Win– Popa Clem
Place – Pioneer of the Nile
Show -Big Drama
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