Xpressbet and NBC Sports analyst Eddie Olczyk previews Saturday's 145th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, Baltimore.
Analysis: Watching these 3-year-olds prep all season toward the delayed Triple Crown, the horse I really wanted to bet finally will get his chance to run in Saturday’s Preakness. ART COLLECTOR has had my attention for months, and he’ll have the attention of the Kentucky Derby winner Authentic when those two lock up at Pimlico. The two favourites appear trustworthy in the series finale, but horseplayers looking for value will be digging for a longshot to include in the exotics.
Main Contenders: Authentic is the favourite and Bob Baffert merits respect in the Preakness. But his past success (a record seven wins in this race) only should help the price on Art Collector, who is a fair 5/2 in the morning line. Art Collector should get a great trip. He’s tactical; if it goes really quick, he can sit. If for some reason Authentic doesn’t show his customary speed, he can be right there from the break. Expect the selection to be sitting just behind, and perhaps Ny Traffic and Swiss Skydiver, with a chance to pounce. Art Collector has been lights out since going around two turns and really has found his stride. I’m not worried about his minor foot issue that kept him out of the Kentucky Derby.
Value Plays: Liveyourbestlife will be my price player. The runner-up in the Jim Dandy should get the distance and won’t have to close from out of the clouds like some of the other longshot considerations. I don’t really like anything else in the race. It’s these three for me, though Max Player could run on for the minor money.
Eddie's Picks
- ART COLLECTOR
- AUTHENTIC
- LIVEYOURBEASTLIFE
- MAX PLAYER
Post Positions and Morning Line odds
1 - Excession (30/1)
2 - Mr. Big News (12/1)
3 - Art Collector (5/2)
4 - Swiss Skydiver (6/1)
5 - Thousand Words (6/1)
6 - Jesus’ Team (30/1)
7 - Ny Traffic (15/1)
8 - Max Player (15/1)
9 - Authentic (9/5)
10 - Pneumatic (20/1)
11 - Liveyourbeastlife (30/1)
WATCH: Analysis of the Preakness draw at Pimlico
