Expert picks for Saturday's Preakness Stakes
BALTIMORE — This isn't the Kentucky Derby all over again.
After a race in which Nyquist went off as a favorite of the betting public — but not a number of handicappers — the champion has seemingly won over the experts. Most picking Saturday's Preakness Stakes list the unbeaten colt on top of their tickets, though there are potential values in the longshots.
The Courier-Journal reached out to voters in its Derby Top 20 poll, as well as others at Pimlico covering the race, for their Preakness selections. Good luck at the window.
Jill Byrne, Churchill Downs
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the Board: #5 Exaggerator, #11 Stradivari
Longshot I like: #1 Cherry Wine
Comment: Nyquist hasn't found a way to lose no matter how the race scenario shapes up and has bounced out of his emphatic Kentucky Derby victory in great shape.
Caton Bredar, TVG
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the Board: #5 Exaggerator; #11 Stradivari
Longshot I like: #10 Fellowship
Comment: Rain or shine, the Preakness sets up much like the Derby with Nyquist and his tactical speed combined with his will to win a formidable combo. I picked him in the Derby and see no reason to get off the bandwagon now, as he looks even better physically now than he did before his last race.
Trixie Hammer, LadyAndTheTrack.com
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #5 Exaggerator, #7 Collected
Longshot I like: #1 Cherry Wine
Comment: Nyquist still appears to be in great form, and I'd like to see him go all the way to New York for the Belmont.
Joe Kristufek, Churchill Downs
Winner: #11 Stradivari
On the board: #3 Nyquist, #5 Exaggerator
Longshot I like: #7 Collected
Comment: Stradivari's Keeneland allowance win was one of the most visually impressive performances by any racehorse this season. He's rested, well drawn on the outside and the price will be fair enough to take a shot against the champ.
Jonathan Lintner, The Courier-Journal
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #5 Exaggerator, #7 Collected
Longshot I like: #2 Uncle Lino
Comment: Exaggerator hadn't moved into second in the Derby by the 1 3/16-mile mark. I'm finally picking Nyquist, with a strong West Coast contingent following him across the wire.
Marty McGee, Daily Racing Form
Winner: #5 Exaggerator
On the board: #3 Nyquist, #6 Lani
Longshot: #10 Fellowship
Comment: Persistence finally pays for Team Desormeaux.
Laffit Pincay, NBC
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #1 Cherry Wine, #5 Exaggerator
Comment: The Derby winner is still peaking, and his connections exude confidence --- next stop Belmont for Triple Crown bid. Cherry Wine is a talented closer, proven on wet surface, with race shape in his favor. Exaggerator demands respect and remember, Kent Desormeaux used to dominate this circuit.
Mary Rampellini, Daily Racing Form
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the Board: #2 Uncle Lino, #5 Exaggerator
Longshot I Like: #7 Collected
Comment: Sticking with the champ, Nyquist.
Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #11 Stradivari, #5 Exaggerator
Longshot I like: Cherry Wine (but not as much as Amstel Light)
Comment: Named for a hockey player, Nyquist should skate.
Hank Wesch, Del Mar
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #5 Exaggerator, #11 Stradivari
Longshot I like: #1 Cherry Wine
Comment: Same song, ninth verse, Nyquist and Co. get the winner's share of the purse.
Tim Wilkin, Albany Times-Union
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #11 Stradivari. #5 Exaggerator
Longshot I like: #1 Cherry Wine
Comment: Am done trying to beat Nyquist; he’s the best of his generation by a lot.
Alicia Wincze Hughes, Lexington Herald-Leader
Winner: #3 Nyquist
On the board: #5 Exaggerator
Longshot I like: #1 Cherry Wine
Comment: Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas once said the best horse doesn't always win the Kentucky Derby, but the best horse usually wins the Preakness. No matter which way you slice this, Nyquist is simply the best horse and neither rain nor pace scenario has been able to throw him off his game.