A Wide-Open Preakness Stakes Headlines Big Saturday at Laurel Park
A very interesting Preakness Stakes awaits us today at Laurel Park. Only one runner from The Kentucky Derby is joining the fray, #2 Ocelli, who came in 3rd at 70-1. A full field of 14 runners will give handicappers plenty to look over and create what looks like a tremendous betting race.
Join us on Saturday at 12:30 where we will provide insights and angles on the Late P5 at Laurel Park, races 9 – 13, concluding with The Preakness Stakes.
Be sure to check out Brisnet.com and The Preakness Package for $28.99, loaded with information to help make informed betting decisions with “The Handicapper’s Edge.”
Race 9 – The James W. Murphy Stakes
3:30 EST – 1 Mile Turf – $100K
Looking squarely at #6 Turf Star 5-2 to live up to his name with hot jockey Jose Ruiz in the saddle for trainer Graham Motion.
Coming into this race third off the layoff and also carrying the Brisnet #1 Prime Power designation makes this runner the pick for us.
A live longshot looks to be #3 Zihnal 6-1, who is still a maiden but gets the services of jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer Jonathan Thomas has a 32% strike rate with runners trying turf for the first time.
Race 10 – The Dinner Party Stakes (Grade 2)
4:11 EST – 1 ⅛ Mile Turf – $250K
This race is extremely competitive from top to bottom according to Brisnet Prime Power ratings, and it is difficult separating the top three runners.
The #6 Dresden Row 7-5 enters looking for a third consecutive victory. Jockey Flavian Prat retains the mount for trainer Todd Pletcher. First time in the Pletcher barn and the highest last-out speed rating both add to the appeal.
The #3 Cruise the Nile 9-5 and #4 Fort Washington 7-2 should also give a strong account of themselves here.
Race 11 – The Gallorette Stakes (Grade 3)
4:53 EST – 1 1/16 Mile Turf – $150K
This is where we cannot take a stand and will be pressing the “all burger” button.
We especially like #6 Cheetah Lady 12-1 as a longshot play, as jockey Jose Ortiz takes over aboard a runner with a legitimate closing chance.
Race 12 – The Jim McKay Turf Sprint
5:52 EST – 5 ½ Furlongs Turf – $125K
Big fields in turf sprints can often lead to “chaos,” as my colleague John Kostin likes to say. Trip will mean everything here, and we are leaning on #2 Determined Kingdom 6-1.
Draw a line through the last race, and this runner has won 10 races at this distance. The effort four races back in The Troy at Saratoga would absolutely fit here, and jockey Jose Ortiz will make sure this horse gets every opportunity.
Brother Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard the #1 Prime Power runner, #4 Chasing Liberty 3-1. Last out, this runner just missed while closing into fast fractions, which is another likely setup here.
Race 13 – The Preakness Stakes (Grade 1)
7:01 EST – 1 3/16 Mile Dirt – $2 Million
Race 11 was where we could not take a stand. Here is where we do.
We are landing on #10 Napoleon Solo 8-1.
There is plenty of speed signed on, but this horse should have jockey Paco Lopez keeping him close enough to strike first turning for home. His E/P Brisnet rating fits the projected race flow perfectly.
We believe that if this runner wins today, he could become a major force throughout the rest of the racing season.
Late Pick 5 Ticket
Laurel Park Race 9-13 Pick 5
3,4,5,6 / 3,4,6 / ALL / 2,3,4,6 / 10 = $192
A more budget-friendly ticket could certainly be constructed by eliminating horses where players see fit.
Tune In Before Post Time
Be sure to join us Saturday at 12:30 after scratches and changes may impact our selections. You can catch the show across Sports Talk Media Network, multiple streaming apps, and social channels.
And remember: “bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to serious fun, and when all is said and done… Let ‘em Run.”
