Four years ago American Pharoah was a stand out in all his races and went on to sweep the Triple Crown, the first horse to do this since 1978, then things went back to normal with three different horses winning the Triple Crown races both in 2016 and 2017. Then last year Justify broke all the rules by not only winning the Derby without racing as a juvenile, but completing the Triple Crown sweep before retiring after only six starts. Once again we will handicap the probable Preakness field using angles that have pointed at the winner in past years. It is well known that to win the Preakness, you have to have raced in the Kentucky Derby, and if the Derby is not in the horse's past performances he is an immediate toss for the win. In recent years, only Red Bullet in 2000, Bernardini in 2006, Rachel Alexandra in 2009, and Cloud Computing in 2017 skipped the Derby to win, although some would argue Rachel Alexandra was good enough to win the Derby. It should come as no surprise that the top 5 horses in the analysis all ran in the Derby. With neither first place finisher Maximum Security (disqualified to 17th) or official winner (moved up from 2nd) Country House running on Saturday, this could be a wide-open affair. Although Pimlico is often called a speed-favoring oval, in recent years it tends to favor stalkers so we want a horse that stays close to the pace but not setting it.
We also recommend checking workout patterns in the final week since these are a good indicator of who is ready. Not having a work between the Derby and the Preakness used to be a negative, but recent winners Justify, Exaggerator, American Pharoah, California Chrome, I'll Have Another, Shackleford, and Lookin at Lucky (7 of the last 9) did not have a timed work during the 2 week layoff. But note again that all of them came out of the Derby, so with that short layoff a timed work may be unnecessary. Horses not coming from the Derby definitely need a timed work.
Where there is a tie in points we will list the horses in alphabetical order. You can view free past performances here from BRISnet.com.
Win Win Win tops the analysis this year, and he scored on every angle except one. (Every horse in the analysis had at least 1 race as a juvenile.) The most important angle is that to win the Preakness you had to have raced in the Derby, but not necessarily win it or even run well in it, (he finished 10th beaten 8 1/2 lengths, placed 9th) and this angle scores two points because of how strong it is. He ran to the BRIS pars of 95 as a juvenile (when he won the Heft Stakes - we want an in-the-money finish in juvenile stakes company) and 100 as a 3-year-old (when he won the Pasco at Tampa - we want a stakes win this year). The Derby qualifies under the 30-day layoff limit as it was run 14 days ago. However, he tends to rally from off the pace in a race where stalkers are preferred. Julian Pimentel should retain the ride for trainer Mike Trombetta.
Improbable ranked second. Although he missed on 2 angles he did come out of the Derby where he finished 5th beaten 3 1/4 lengths, placed 4th. He uses a stalking style (usually 2-4 lengths back early), has the required number of starts at 3 (we want 3-6, only one horse this year failed on this angle), he has stakes wins at 2, and ran to the BRIS par as a juvenile. He still lacks a stakes win this year and his best figure in 2019 was the 98 when 2nd in the Arkansas Derby. Mike Smith is expected to ride for trainer Bob Baffert.
War of Will is our third choice coming off his 8th place finish (moved up to 7th) in the Derby after suffering interference from Maximum Security. He qualifies on number of starts, stakes performance, and layoff length. He tends to run on or close to the pace rather than actually "stalking", and he failed on both speed figure requirements, with a best juvenile fig of 94 (one point under the par) and a best fig this year of 96. Tyler Gaffalione should retain the ride for trainer Mark Casse.
Bodexpress ranks 4th, and it shouldn't be a surprise our top 4 all came out of the Derby including this one (finished 14th placed 13th, beaten 15 lengths). He usually stalks the pace, has enough races at 2 and 3, and is coming off the recommended layoff (inside 30 days). However, he did not compete in stakes company as a juvenile nor won a stakes this year, and fails on speed figures with a 90 top as a juvenile and a 98 in the Florida Derby. New jockey John Velazquez picks up the mount for trainer Gustavo Delgado.
Alwaysmining sits alone in 5th place and is our first horse that didn't come out of the Derby. The local hero swept the Laurel prep series for the Preakness - the Miracle Wood, Private Terms, and Federico Tesio - the latter run exactly 4 weeks out, so within the 30 day limit. He has the required stakes win at 3 and also won a stakes as a juvenile, and has enough starts (a whopping 9 as a juvenile then 3 this year). On the downside,along with missing the Derby he is expected to set a hot pace on Saturday, and his figures are short of par, with a juvenile best of 91 and paired 99's leading up to this race. Daniel Centeno rides again for trainer Kelly Rubley.
The next 4 horses tied in points and are listed alphabetically.
Anothertwistafate originally was a front-runner but stalked in his last 2 starts so he earns a point for running style, as well as number of starts at 2 and 3 and a stakes win this year (El Camino Real Derby). He was 2nd last out in the Lexington which was 35 days ago (the limit is 30), he is short on speed figures at 2 and 3, and lacks a stakes start as a juvenile. New rider Jose Ortiz rides for Blaine Wright.
Laughing Fox won the Oaklawn Invitational which was run on Derby day, giving him the required 3-year-old stakes and off a 14 days layoff. He has enough starts at 2 and 3. However he is a deep closer, did not compete in stakes as a juvenile, and failed to meet either BRIS speed figure par, with a 76 top as a juvenile and 96 this year. Ricardo Santana Jr. should get the call for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Owendale comes here off his Lexington win (where he defeated Anothertwistafate), so he has the required stskes win but outside the 30 day layoff limit. His 99 in that race is one short of par, whle his 87 best as a juvenile was well short of the 95 par there. He can stalk the pace, has enough races at 2 and 3, but lacks a stakes start as a juvenile. Florent Geroux should retain the mount for trainer Brad Cox.
Signalman is the only horse in the field with less than 3 starts this year. After winning the Kentucky Jockey Club as a 2-year-old he has not won a stakes this year. His 99 in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile meets par but his 97 in the Blue Grass does not. Also, the Blue Grass was run beyond the 30 day layoff limit. He does qualify on running style as he is able to stalk the pace. Regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr. should be in the irons for trainer Ken McPeek.
The next 2 horses tied in points and are listed alphabetically.
Bourbon War was 4th in the Florida Derby (a 7 week layoff to the Preakness) after finishing a close 2nd in the Fountain of Youth, so he still lacks a stakes win this year. He did compete in the Remsen as a juvenile but finished a distant 4th which also does not qualify. He closes from off the pace, and his speed figures this year are short of par (he did meet par as a juvenile). Regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the ride for trainer Mark Hennig.
Everfast was a very late addition to the field, added at the entry box deadline, and comes here off a 5th place finish beaten 10 1/4 lengths in the Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard. This gives him a prep race inside the 30 day limit. Along with this he did race at 2 and has enough starts at 3, but fails on every other angle. Although he ran in 3 stakes races as a juvenile he did not hit the board in any of them, including finishing last in the Breeders' Futurity. This year his best stakes performance was 2nd in the Holy Bull before finishing poorly in both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. His speed figures also fail to meet par. New jockey Joel Rosario rides for trainer Dale Romans.
The bottom 2 horses tied in points and are listed alphabetically.
Market King represents trainer D. Wayne Lukas' record 44th Preakness entrant, but is unlikely to become Lukas' 7th winner. He only qualifies on 2 of our factors - number of starts at 2, and number of starts at 3. He does not have any stakes starts at 2 and this year he was a distant 3rd in one division of the Rebel and a well-beaten 11th in the Blue Grass in his last start, a very weak prep beyond 30 days. His speed figures are short of par (78 best as a juvenile, 88 in the Rebel). Finally, he tends to run on or close to the lead. Regular rider Jon Court retains the mount.
Warrior's Charge supplemented to the Preakness for $150,000, which appears on paper to be a poor decision given he ranks dead last in this analysis. Like Market King he only qualifies on 2 of our factors - number of starts at 2, and number of starts at 3. He has never competed in stakes company, his final prep was an allowance win at Oaklawn 36 days ago, his speed figures are short of par (88 best as a juvenile, 99 in that allowance win). Finally, he tends to set the pace, his two wins being gate-to-wire performances. New jockey Javier Castellano gets the assignment for trainer Brad Cox, who also saddles Owendale.
2019 Triple Crown quick links:
Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 10 was entered for the 151st Belmont Stakes with Tacitus the 9-5 morning line favorite in post 9 and second choice War of Will next door in post 10. Get the entries, post positions, and free past performances here.
Belmont Stakes June 4 Photos - Preakness winner War of Will had his first gallop at Belmont Park Tuesday morning after schooling in the paddock. Check out photos here.
Belmont Stakes June 3 Photos - Preakness winner War of Will arrived at Belmont Park early Monday morning. Later in the morning, Bourbon War and Sir Winston both had gallops. Check out photos of each here.
Belmont Stakes June 1 Photos - Three of the Belmont Stakes contenders had timed works this morning at Belmont Park with Intrepid Heart going 5f in 1:00.92, Spinoff going 5f in 1:02.16, and Tax going 4f in 49.03. Check out photos of each here plus bonus Met Mile horses.
Belmont Stakes May 29 Photos - Four of the Belmont Stakes contenders were out on the track this morning at Belmont Park with Master Fencer breezing 5 furlong in 1:01.48 plus Intrepid Heart, Spinoff, and Tacitus galloping. Check out photos of each here.
Miscellaneous Preakness Photos - 21 more photos from Preakness day including Diplo parachuting in for his concert, the trophy being carried to the winner's circle, the Clydesdales, and more.
Preakness Undercard Stakes Results There were 8 other stakes on Preakness day headlined by the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Catholic Boy, the Chick Lang Stakes (G3) won by Lexitonian, the Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) won by New York Central, and the Gallorette (G3) won by Mitchell Road. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 8 races here.
War of Will wins the Preakness (G1) - War of Will stalked the pace then found room on the inside to win the 144th Preakness Stakes (G1) by 1 1/4 lengths over longshot Everfast with Owendale third, giving jockey Tyler Gaffalione, trainer Mark Casse, and owner Gary Barber their first Triple Crown wins. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Black-Eyed Susan Day Results - Point of Honor ran down Ulele and Cookie Dough to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Pimlico on Friday. There were 6 other stakes on the card including the Pimlico Special (G3) won by Tenfold, the Allaire Dupont Distaff (G3) won by Mylady Curlin, and the Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) won by Covfefe. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 7 races here.
2019 Preakness Entries - A field of 13 was entered today for the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) with Improbable in post 4 the morning line favorite at 5-2. Check out the horses, post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
2019 Alibi Breakfast - The traditional Alibi Breakfast was held on Thursday May 16, before the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes. Connections of some of the 13 Preakness entrants were on hand to swap stories about their horse as well as watch the presentation of the annual awards.
Thursday Preakness Photos - Photos and comments for 12 of the Preakness horses from Thursday morning with everyone on the track except Alwaysmining and Win Win Win who arrived late in the morning.
Wednesday Preakness Photos - Photos and comments for 10 of the Preakness horses from Wednesday morning and afternoon at Pimlico, including Improbable arriving at the track.
Tuesday Preakness Photos - Photos and comments for four of the Preakness horses from Tuesday afternoon at Pimlico, including War of Will, Market King, Bodexpress, and Signalman who arrived at the track today plus bonus pic of the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Preakness Weather Forecasts - What will the weather be for the Preakness? Check out several sources here. Currently looking pretty good with no rain unlike last year.
Analyzing the top Preakness Contenders - Our annual analysis of the contenders to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. Not many Derby horses are making the trip to Baltimore, but it is one of them that gets top pick.
Country House wins the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) via disqualification - Maximum Security crossed the finish line first, but was disqualified to 17th a muddy Kentucky Derby (G1) giving the win to long shot Country House with Code of Honor 2nd and Tacitus 3rd. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Derby Undercard Stakes Results - There were 6 other stakes on the card today with the Derby, including the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) won by Bricks and Mortar, the Humana Distaff (G1) won by Mia Mischief, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) won by Beau Recall, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) won by Mitole, the American Turf (G2) won by Digital Age, and the Pat Day Mile (G3) won by Mr. Money. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Serengeti Empress rules in the 2019 Kentucky Oaks (G1) - Serengeti Empress went to the front and never looked back, winning the 2019 Kentucky Oaks (G1) by 1 3/4 lengths over late closing longshot Liora with Lady Apple third. Favorite Bellafina finished fifth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results - There were 5 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by She's a Julie, the Alysheba (G2) won by McKinzie, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Break Even, the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) won by World of Trouble, and the Edgewood Stakes (G3) won by Concrete Rose. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Thursday Kentucky Derby Photos - Thursday morning at Churchill Downs wasn't as crowded, perhaps because of the rain overnight. Not all the Derby horses and Oaks fillies were out this morning, with Haikal being treated for a foot abcess. Check out photos for 18 Derby horses and 12 Oaks fillies with comments.
Kentucky Derby Entries - Tuesday morning entries closed for the 145th Kentucky Derby with a full field of 20 plus one also-eligible. Morning line favorite is now Game Winner at 9-2 after the scratch of Omaha Beach. Get the horses, morning line odds, free past performances, and lots more info here.
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Photos - Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs was even more crowded on the backside with Derby fans now that all the Derby and Oaks horses are on the grounds. All 21 Derby horses and 15 Oaks fillies were out this morning, including the new arrivals. Update: As of 6:30pm, Omaha Beach will be scratched due to an entrapped epiglottis! Check out photos for each with comments.
Tuesday Kentucky Derby Photos - Tuesday was my first morning at Churchill Downs and the backside was more crowded than usual with Derby fans to see the horses at 7:30am. 14 Derby horses and 14 Oaks fillies were out this morning, including Derby favorite Omaha Beach and Oaks favorite Bellafina. Check out photos for each with comments.
2019 Kentucky Oaks Entries - A full field of 14 with 2 also-eligibles was drawn for the 145th Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) to be run on Friday at Churchill Downs. Santa Anita Oaks (G1) winner Bellafina is the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 4. Get all the horses, posts, and free past performances here.
2019 Kentucky Derby Analysis - Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year it is a pretty wide open field and the order shows that.
Kentucky Derby Notes for 4/29 - Monday morning was still cold but not as gloomy at Churchill Downs and only one Derby horse, Long Range Toddy, and one Oaks filly, Restless Rider, had timed works. Shortly after noon, Bellafina arrived from California. Check out comments and photos for the Derby and Oaks horses, free past performances, probable starters for the rest of the Derby weekend stakes, and more. Previous: 04/20, 04/21, 04/22, 04/23, 04/24, 04/25, 04/26, 04/27, 04/28
2019 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - This year there are 4 pools starting in November of 2019 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
Kentucky Derby Prep Races - What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby contenders.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2019 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks. Revamped for 2019 with updated info.
Kentucky Derby Traditions - Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucy Home", fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.