The Preakness Stakes is a great betting race as you have many overvalued horses coming in from the Kentucky Derby going against fresh horse who few heard seen race. So with this in mind, I am going to give you five reasons why Astrology (who did not compete in the Derby) will come out on top Saturday. I used this same formula when I cashed a ticket last year on Drosselmeyer at 13-1 in the Belmont Stakes so fade at your own risk.
Reason #1 Pedigree
This horse was one of the Derby favorites as a two-year old (similar to Drosselmeyer) and was sired by AP Indy/Seattle Slew. Any time you can get a Seattle Slew horse you have to give it a close look. The owners paid a pretty penny for Astrology and he looked like he was going to be great route horse. Astrology has been pointed towards the Preakness so expect his best effort.
Reason #2 Mike Smith
This is the second time that Mike Smith will ride Astrology and the last time he ran his best Beyer ever at 93. Smith is a quality rider who had a bad outing in the Derby so expect him to bring in the Preakness.
Reason #3 Racing Style
Astrology is coming out of the post #1 which I love considering his running style. He is a presser and should be right up with the leaders. When the leaders stumble he will have the shortest way to go and the best chance to hold off the closers.
Reason #4 Improving Horse
Astrology’s last 2 races this year have improved on the previous race. He ran a 87 Beyer in March and then ran his best race ever in the slop with a 93. This horse has never finished worst than 3rd. Expect improvement in the Preakness.
Reason #5 Fresh Horse
With only 2 races this year Astrology is coming into the Preakness fresh and hungry. Racing in the Triple Crown takes its toll on horses that is why it is so hard to win all three, so why not look for a horse that is not wore down. With little racing this year he is bound to show his 3 year old improvement. Not only that but at 15-1 he is a steal.
So there you have it, five reasons to go with a 15-1 horse and cash a large ticket.
Don’t be afraid to post your picks in the forum and good luck on Preakness day.
