Preakness Picks - Win, Place and Show

Mine That Bird won the run for the roses but the 50-to-1 long short surprise winner is not the favorite at the Preakness States. Horse racing betting fans are used to seeing the Derby won automatically posted as the favorite at the Preakness in the racebook but thanks to a surprise filly, Rachel Alexandra, the Preakness Stakes is filled with intrigue. Here’s a look at my picks to win, place and show.

Win – Big Drama

David Fawkes, the trainer of Big Drama, has been pretty patient with his horse. Big Drama has been held out of a number of races, including the Kentucky Derby, because of a bone bruise but Big Drama was the last five races he’s entered.

Before Rachel Alexander trotted on the scene, Big Drama was supposed to be the sexy pick to win the second jewel of the Triple Crown. He’ll fall just short of Rachel Alexander but he’ll be in contention. He is in the first post and should be the pacesetter.

Place – Rachel Alexandra

Rachel Alexandra does not have history on her side: No filly has won the Preakness since 1924. But the good news is that she doesn’t have a tough field to fight with either. After all, a 50-to-1 underdog won the run for the roses and there is no Big Brown-type horse to contend with in this race.

Rachel Alexandra has won her last five races by a combined 43.5 lengths, which is quite impressive. Filly or not, she’ll be in this race but she’s in the seventh post and no horse has won from that post since 1970.

Show – Pioneer Of The Nile

Pioneer of the Nile, who finished second at the Derby, got a good slot for the Preakness. He’ll be in the No. 2 gate and had Mine That Bird not pulled such a shocker, Pioneer of the Nile would be heading to the Preakness winning six of his last seven races.

This horse does good with long distances, which will be key here. The value isn’t great here on the odds but Bob Baffert has a horse here that should compete for the win.