Bawlmer, Baby

This would be perfect spot for a number on the state of Maryland racing (if you guessed, "not pretty," ding, ding, ding), but you'll have to settle for quick take on Preakness. Figure since it's being run in my very own back yard, it would be tacky to remain silent. First, the filly. She's berry, berry good, right up there with some really nice fillies, (Zenyatta needn't worry)  but she's more likely to finish third or fourth, than she is to win it. The two weeks is the rub, combined with fact that she won't be facing pace rivals with lifetime speed figure highs of 75. She'll want nothing to do with Big Drama out of the gate, and I'm pretty sure her connections know it and will look to have her just off the pace. Wide trip and slow pace typically not fun times (as horses to inside always have answer when jock lets it out a notch). She's good, though, as I said, so she'll be in the mix late. Pioneer, Musket and Papa just a cut below true G1 horses (such a relative thing, sure, but you know what I mean). Who does that leave? Mine That Bird? Yeah, he'll be around, but it was pace, track, slop that moved him up in Derby (plus trio above nothing stellar). His New Mexico races were deceptively good, so you have to give him some credit. Plus, I like small horses that try (are you reading that up in NY, my little Gold Fever friend?) Big Drama in with a big shot, especially if Rachel takes back. Distance is question mark, but if track is playing to speed and he's 10-1 or more, he's the play. His two-turn pace figures are killer. I like Pletcher's Take the Points, too. A grinding sort, but he might sit good trip behind speed and just suck along. He's fresh, training well, and he'll be a big number. General Quarters needs the perfect catbird trip to have a shot; if things don't go his way, he's toast. I'll play against coming back quickly.

Hope it's a fun Preakness day wherever you're taking it in. We'll look to keep the party going with some fun of our own down in WV next weekend.