2017 Preakness Cheat Sheet

Level: Beginner

By Dana Byerly, Hello Race Fans Co-founder

2017 Preakness Replay

2017 Preakness Chart courtesy of Brisnet.com

Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Of course you did. Did you feel unprepared? We tried to help! Here it is two weeks later and you’re still in the same boat. Well, fret not, we’re here for you… again! Although we strongly suggest that you sign up for our Derby Prep Alert so you’re not so unprepared next year.

Here’s a little something about the 2017 Preakness field by post position. Be sure to check out our 2017 Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet for more back story on the starters coming from the Derby.

Here’s a thumbnail sketch of this year’s field by post position including the morning line odds.

1. Multipler (30-1) – The lightly raced Illinois Derby winner was green but game as he negotiated traffic in the stretch of his stakes debut. He idled briefly after getting clear, then suddenly kicked in and kicked on for the win. He seems like a colt who might have some talent, but this is a big step up in company. That said he’s got a nice late turn of foot and could be useful in your exotics.

2. Cloud Computing (12-1) – WINNER – This lightly raced maiden winner spent the winter running behind Irish War Cry and J Boys Echo at Aqueduct, which is not the most ringing endorsement considering their performances in the Derby (10th and 15th respectively). In the Gotham he sat just off the pace but couldn’t go with J Boys Echo and in the Wood he broke a step slowly and had no run when asked. He could move forward here, but he’s given no indications that it would be enough for a piece of the action.

3. Hence (20-1) – We didn’t learn anything about the Sunland Derby winner after his 11th place finish in the Derby, except perhaps that he doesn’t like mud kickback. While he never got a chance to run his race in the Derby, the upside is that the race didn’t take much out of him according to trainer Steve Asmussen. If you’re willing to toss his Derby effort he’s an interesting prospect for your exotics, and maybe more.

4. Always Dreaming (4-5) – While the Kentucky Derby winner got another ideal trip, he also put in an admirable effort running at a good clip the entire 10 furlongs and showing no signs of slowing down at the end. He could very easily get another ideal set-up in this spot, but his biggest threats are likely to have a better shot this time around. He’s the horse to beat, can he do it again?

5. Classic Empire (3-1) – PLACE (2nd) – The Arkansas Derby winner turned in one of the better performances in the Derby given that he had so many things go wrong and still managed to get up for 4th, especially when many others, like well-regarded Irish War Cry, threw in the towel after less troubled trips. With a better trip the 2-year-old champ should be well positioned to give a good account of himself, which could certainly include a win here.

6. Gunnevera (15-1) – His 7th place finish in the Kentucky Derby wasn’t all that bad if you consider that he ran on the worst part of the track and still managed to pass tiring foes. A smaller field, shorter distance and new jockey are all in his favor, and given reports of his on-track appearance he seems likely to put in a solid effort and could be handy in your exotics.

7. Term of Art (30-1) – After running no closer than 6 lengths to the winner in all three Santa Anita Derby preps he gets blinkers for the first time. Will it help? Maybe, but even if it does it’s probably not going to be enough to get him in the money.

8. Senior Investment (30-1) – SHOW (3rd) – The Lexington Stakes winner seems like a colt on the improve at the right time. After a non-effort in the Louisiana Derby he came back to upset the Lexington with an eye-catching stretch run, defeating No Dozing, who came back to win the Pat Day Mile on Derby day. Is that enough for an upset here? Unlikely, but he could useful in your exotics.

9. Lookin at Lee (10-1) – FOURTH – Some will say the longshot Kentucky Derby runner-up was solely the beneficiary of an excellent trip on the best of the track. While it’s true that he received one of the best rides in the Derby, he was also able to make the most of it. Once again, he’s a fine addition to your exotics.

10. Conquest Mo Money (15-1) – After running a game 2nd to Hence in the Sunland Derby he followed it up with almost taking the Arkansas Derby field gate-to-wire. When Classic Empire came to him he put up a valiant fight and held on for 2nd, only a half-length behind the winner. If he can move forward from that effort he’s certainly worthy of your exotics.