SUPER EIGHT
By Ray Paulick
Unlike the post position draw for the Kentucky Derby, Wednesday’s Preakness draw was a drama-free zone, with the Derby winner Super Saver getting the No. 8 post and Derby favorite Lookin At Lucky getting post seven in the field of 12. In the Kentucky Derby, there were groans from Lookin At Lucky’s camp when the 2-year-old champion was saddled with the disadvantageous rail post in the 20-horse field. He ended up getting hammered twice in the opening furlong and fell far out of contention early.
If anyone was hurt by the Preakness draw it might be Dublin, who got the outside 12 post, possible front-runner First Dude, who drew 11, and Paddy O’Prado, who go the 10 post. Since 1909, only eight winners have started in the 10 post or further out, the most recent of course being Rachel Alexandra, who won from post 13 last year under Calvin Borel. Afleet Alex, the sire of Dublin, won from post 12 in 2005. Could that be an omen?
As for Super Saver, who will be ridden by Borel, post eight has won two of the last eight Preaknesses, in 2002 with War Emblem and 2006 with Bernardini. The winningest post position is six, which has accounted for 15 Preakness victories. That post belongs to Jackson Bend.
I’m sticking with Lookin At Lucky as my pick to win the Preakness under the hot young rider Martin Garcia. Who do you like?
Click here for the Preakness post position and morning line odds
Tags: afleet alex, Bernardini, Calvin Borel, dublin, First Dude, jackson bend, kentucky derby, lookin at lucky, Martin Garcia, Paddy O'Prado, Paulick Report, paulick report live blog, Preakness Stakes, Super Saver, thoroughbred times
May 12th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Go LAL!
May 12th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Super Saver right back.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Let’s see: Lookin at Lucky, Caracortado, Paddy O’Prado. In any order they come in, I’ll be happy. Actually, if everybody comes home safe and sound, I’ll be happy. The fun for me is watching so many of my favorites racing at the same time. I hope we have better weather and a better track.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Super Saver or bust!
May 12th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Eight is great!!!!!
We got rain. off and on for the next three days in the Mid-Atlantic…..maybe, just maybe?????
May 12th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Mr. Paulick,
Martin is already paying dividends! Thought we might have to break from between Kegs in the infield. Gonna key Lucky and Scarface over a few, see what happens. Aikenite a little scary at 20-1 and Javy’s been riding strong for quite awhile now, and he’s trained by,,,oh yea,,,the other Mr. P,ok, now I have to box the following three- Lookin @ Lucky, Caracortado, Aikenite. Looking forward to great day of racing even if Pim’s days are numbered.
sk
May 12th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Looking at Lucky on a fast track. Hope they make this a horse race and not let Super Saver loaf in a close stalking position behind Pleasant Prince.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Eibar picks up the mount on Schoolyard Dreams? Uh Oh!
May 13th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Super Saver all the way! He’s got the same post position as Seattle Slew had when he won the Preakness…on a beautiful, sunny day! Super Saver even looks like Slew…..no blaze, dark and shining coat, and very athletic-looking..and not a big horse. Also, Slew broke from post #4 in the Derby, same as SS (even though he had #3 on his saddle cloth). Hoping it’s fate….and good Karma for Super Saver, Borel, and Pletcher! Only bet on Slew blood horses in the Derby…and did just fine as SS and Ice Box came in #1, and 2! It’s Slew’s year to have a triple crown winner to carry his bloodline for years to come!