Preakness Preview
May 14th 2010 06:57
The Preakness at first glance appears to be a a battle between Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Lookin At Lucky - who has had only bad luck at his recent starts.
(photo: Cheryl Ann Quigley) click for enlargement
Cheryl A Quigley Equine Photography
A win by Super Saver would be welcomed as he would then be two thirds of the way to winning the elusive Triple Crown. Betting would indicate that he has strong prospects as his current odds are 5-2. Next in the betting comes Lookin At Lucky at 3-1 - with the only other horse at under 10-1 being Kentucky Derby third placegetter Paddy O’Prado at 9-2.
One of the best prospects for an upset result might come from 10-1 chance Caracortado. Although a seemingly unlikely candidate, being the gelded son of a sire with only a $1,500 service fee - and with a jockey aboard (Paul Atkinson) who has never previously ridden in a Triple Crown race - nonetheless Caracortado has impressed with a Grade 2 win in the Robert Lewis (1 1/16 miles) and then a 3rd (Grade 2 San Felipe) and 4th (Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby) after having no luck in running.
Caracortado - his name meaning scarface in Spanish - was so named as a result of a cut to his face he suffered as a young horse, an injury that required stapling shut by eight sutures around his nose.
Luck and circumstance often play a big part in any result. Super Saver enjoyed a charmed run being ridden off the speed to win the Kentucky Derby. The tactics (not leading) and rail-hugging ride by Calvin Borel contributing to the win in the mud. But the margin was significant - and the victory impressive.
Super Saver does appear to be a horse who can make his own luck with tactical speed. Lookin At Lucky was never in contention from the inside draw in the Kentucky Derby after getting caught in traffic. A change of luck (an absence of bad luck) would see him right in winning contention. And similarly Caracortado has had little or no luck since his win three starts back.
Do we take the chance on a change of fortune for Lookin At Lucky? Will Caracortado use his gate speed to advantage this time? Or do we sail again with Super Saver?
It’s not meant to be easy. But it is always fascinating. This time we will go for the underdog with the interesting story.
1 Caracortado
2 Lookin At Lucky
3 Super Saver
4 Paddy O’Prado
Caracortado winning the California Breeders' Championship
(photo: Cheryl Ann Quigley) click for enlargement
Cheryl A Quigley Equine Photography
A win by Super Saver would be welcomed as he would then be two thirds of the way to winning the elusive Triple Crown. Betting would indicate that he has strong prospects as his current odds are 5-2. Next in the betting comes Lookin At Lucky at 3-1 - with the only other horse at under 10-1 being Kentucky Derby third placegetter Paddy O’Prado at 9-2.
One of the best prospects for an upset result might come from 10-1 chance Caracortado. Although a seemingly unlikely candidate, being the gelded son of a sire with only a $1,500 service fee - and with a jockey aboard (Paul Atkinson) who has never previously ridden in a Triple Crown race - nonetheless Caracortado has impressed with a Grade 2 win in the Robert Lewis (1 1/16 miles) and then a 3rd (Grade 2 San Felipe) and 4th (Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby) after having no luck in running.
Caracortado - his name meaning scarface in Spanish - was so named as a result of a cut to his face he suffered as a young horse, an injury that required stapling shut by eight sutures around his nose.
Luck and circumstance often play a big part in any result. Super Saver enjoyed a charmed run being ridden off the speed to win the Kentucky Derby. The tactics (not leading) and rail-hugging ride by Calvin Borel contributing to the win in the mud. But the margin was significant - and the victory impressive.
Super Saver does appear to be a horse who can make his own luck with tactical speed. Lookin At Lucky was never in contention from the inside draw in the Kentucky Derby after getting caught in traffic. A change of luck (an absence of bad luck) would see him right in winning contention. And similarly Caracortado has had little or no luck since his win three starts back.
Do we take the chance on a change of fortune for Lookin At Lucky? Will Caracortado use his gate speed to advantage this time? Or do we sail again with Super Saver?
It’s not meant to be easy. But it is always fascinating. This time we will go for the underdog with the interesting story.
1 Caracortado
2 Lookin At Lucky
3 Super Saver
4 Paddy O’Prado
| 73 |
| Vote |
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