Despite some early jitters, American Pharoah blazed through a rough start to win the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. With the first leg of the Triple Crown behind him, American Pharoah is once again an overwhelming favorite to win the Preakness Stakes. Is there anyone from the field who can challenge American Pharoah? We’ve compiled the picks of an assortment of experts to help answer that question.
Get yourself ready for the 2015 Preakness Stakes with our complete preview. Feel like an upset is looming? Check out the experts sleeper picks for the Preakness.
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Experts Picks and Predictions for 2015 Preakness Stakes
Bleacher Report
Expert
Winner
Tyler Duma
American Pharoah
Chris Roling
American Pharoah
Tyler Duma of Bleacher Report predicts American Pharoah will have a field day to win the 140th edition of the Preakness. He notes that there isn’t any cheap speed at Pimlico which could hamper American Pharoah from dominating the race. The fractions on the front end and good forward placement from three-time Derby winning jockey Victor Espinoza should have American Pharoah finishing comfortably ahead.
[sc:horses240banner ]Chris Roling also agrees. He mentions American Pharoah to still be on fresh legs with just three starts as a two-year-old and two Derby preps. History is also on the favorite’s side; a Kentucky Derby participant has won the Preakness every time since 2007. Trainer Bob Baffert’s three prior Derby winners have won the Preakness.
Roling believes American Pharoah is the best horse headed to Pimlico. He’s likely to be a serious contender in the next race at New York to end the 37-year Triple Crown drought. American Pharoah is +220 to win the Triple Crown.
Horse Racing Nation
Expert
First
Second
Third
Horse Racing Nation
American Pharoah
Firing Lane
Dortmund
Horse Racing Nation also tabbed American Pharoah to win the Preakness, but also noted a slight weakness. They note American Pharoah as a little difficult to handle, coming out of the far turn at the Derby. Despite the kink, the Baffert-trained colt should still win the race at Pimlico.
If American Pharoah is not at his best, Horse Racing Nation figures that Kentucky Derby second-place finisher Firing Lane is a strong contender for the upset. Firing Lane has excellent tactical speed that can catapult him to first should American Pharoah struggle. His speed should also help with the shorter and more manageable track at Pimlico. Firing Lane is +500 to win the Preakness.
Dortmund also makes a case for the upset. He had been undefeated in his first six starts before the Kentucky Derby. Dortmund nearly matched Firing Lane stride-for-stride at the Run for the Roses before eventually finishing third. Dortmund is +450 to win at Pimlico.
Heavy
Expert
Winner
Joe Calabrese
American Pharoah
Joe Calabrese from Heavy is riding high on American Pharoah. The shortened distance at Pimlico should be more manageable for jockey Espinoza to make his move to the front, where American Pharoah could hold off all closers late. Calabrese also notes that the Preakness is historically not a race for closers. Calabrese goes further in giving a pair of horses to keep an eye on in Competitive Edge and Materiality.
Competitive Edge’s last race was a win at the Tamarac Stakes. He has won all four of his career starts. A hairline fracture on his hind leg had him missing out on the Kentucky Derby, but showed no signs of the injury in winning the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile Stakes.
Materiality is a speedster that could turn some heads at Pimlico. He has the least amount of career starts among the top contenders at the Preakness. Having less races should give Materiality enough energy at the shorter track at Pimlico.
Both Materiality and Competitive Edge are +1,500 to win the Preakness.
Now you’re armed with these trusty experts picks. Create a betting account now and get your fair share of adrenaline through horse racing.
