Preakness Predictions

Go easy on me this is my first post on here. 

I thought I would make some bold predictions for the 136th Preakness

Here's what I predict going into Preakness week, some of this is in jest!

There will be 100 articles on the decline of Maryland racing, decline of Pimlico, and the talk of moving the Preakness.  Then 100,000 plus people will show up on Saturday

Connections of the "new shooters" in the race will describe their horse as "peaking at the right time." I think this is required for running, I'm not sure

Most turf writers will tell you they like Animal Kingdom but say they are taking a "contrarian" view for betting purposes.  This is called the CYA philosophy of being an analyst. 

NBC will have a camera on Graham Motion during the race this time

We will be able to hear Larry Colmus' race call on the telecast

The pace will be at least a second faster than Derby Day. 

Everyone will say they love their post position even if they don't.  Partly because their glad it's only 14 horses and not 20. 

When discussing Animal Kingdom, at least a dozen horseplayers will mention the word bounce. 

Mike Watchmaker already alluded to this on the Daily Racing Form  but I bet either a trainer or an owner, ( who should know better) will menton tighter turns or speed bias at Pimlico. Luckily if you watch Versus, Randy Moss will be there to debunk this theory. 

Now to get serious!

As for me, I am an optimist.  So I'm going to say that winning the derby off a 6 week layoff Animal Kingdom might improve in the Preakness and run a monster race.  Fitness won't be an issue.  I am curious to see how he will handle fast fractions, but in his other races, albeit not on dirt, he has shown to be tactical to make moves and different points in the race.  I expect Animal Kingdom to make a huge move at the start of the far turn, seize the lead from Shackleford at the top of the stretch and win the Preakness.   

As for the new shooters I think I am going to key in on Dance City.  Were still a few days away so I may change my mind but the Arkansas Derby has come out as a strong race and I really liked his latest workout.  I know Todd Pletcher doesn't have the greatest Triple Crown record but the Preakness is the only thing missing from a career "triple crown" 

Finally. I really like Mucho Macho Man. He was one of the horses I keyed in the Derby.  The horse gives effort every time.  You could see his immaturity in the lane at the Derby (Animal Kingdom was green too) but he is a big horse with beautiful strides and I think he'll be in good position. 

So, depending upon price, I'll probably box Animal Kingdom, Dance City, and Mucho Macho Man in exactas and trifectas.  I wouldn't be surprised by Dialed In but I expect him to be close to AK's odds.

Good luck to everyone.