Early Look at Preakness Field with Predictions and Free Picks

by Cameron McQuade - 5/16/2022

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The race for the most valuable trophy in American sports, The Woodlawn Vase, is handed out this upcoming Saturday at the Preakness Stakes. The $4 million trophy sees sunlight on the 3rd Saturday of May each year. This year’s 147th Preakness Stakes race will not include 80-1 underdog Kentucky Derby champion Rich Strike. But there will be a few horses that do return from the Kentucky Derby and some new entrees too.

Returnees:

Epicentre (3-1 odds)

Simplification (8-1)

Horses that we didn’t see at the Kentucky Derby

Secret Oath (11-2)

Early Voting (6-1)

Creative Minister (10-1)

Un Ojo (18-1)

Skippylongstocking (20-1)

Ethereal Road (25-1)

Shake Em Loose (28-1)

Rattle N Roll (28-1)

Prediction Free Picks

Epicentre (3-1): The Kentucky Derby runner up is the early favourite for a reason. Epicenter ran 1 ½ miles Sunday morning and will have another solid easy half-mile works early Monday morning. He was in line for the win at the Kentucky Derby before 80-1 underdog Rich Strike came back in the final leg of the race to take the #1 spot. The Winchell family have always been eluded by the big 3 races, including a 2nd place Preakness finish last year with Midnight Bourbon. We know Steve Asmussen will have Epicentre ready for this race and wants him to stay the 3-year-old champion. Epicenter has good speed and amazing endurance. If he can start the race ahead, it is very likely he can win this year’s Preakness Stakes.

Simplification (8-1): The other Kentucky Derby participant, Simplification, came 4th in the Run for the Roses. Seven of the last 10 Preakness Stakes winners have run in the Kentucky Derby, so Simplification has a nice trend on his side since he ran in the Churchill Downs race on May 7th. The 3-year-old colt only lost by 3 ½ lengths to Rich Strike, and 3rd place finisher Zandon will not be attending the Preakness Stakes. I believe Simplification has a good shot at a top 3 finish, and by 8-1 odds it seems like solid “place” or “show” bet.

Early Voting (6-1): The winner of the Withers Stakes and runner-up in the Wood Memorial Stakes brings an amazing resume to The Preakness. Early Voting is an out-the-gate fast horse and figures to be in the lead again to start this race. His biggest concern is pressure from Epicenter or Simplification, who both can stalk and close very well. If he can maintain a solid lead and run his race, Early Voting is a threat to win.

Pick:	Columbus +1.5 (-135)
Start:	November 18, 2024 @ 7:00 PM
Expert:	Doc's Sports

Analysis:

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take Columbus +1.5 (-135) over Boston (7 p.m. EST, Monday November 18) This is more of a fade of Boston than backing Columbus, but we do expect a close game here. Boston is down this season from what we are used to, and this is an average team. They are getting too much respect from the oddsmakers compared to their performance on the ice. The most glaring stat involving this team is their 4-15 ATS record on the puckline. This has been one of the best bets in the NHL this season going against the Bruins, and they have to play well to win at all much less by multiple goals. Boston gets the best from opponents on a nightly basis, as most teams have their game against them circled on the season. We think this will be another close game on Monday. Read More Read Less

Early Look at Preakness Field with Predictions and Free Picks

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