I like Animal Kingdom to win.  Good longshot for 2nd or third is Mr. Commons.  Sherriffs doesn't usually send a horse across country to run unless he thinks he has a chance.

Mucho Macho Man was too far back off a slow place in the Kentucky Derby. He also was coming off a layoff and I expect an improvement this time. He should take to the Pimlico surface just fine, track much closer to the pace despite lively fractions. He will out-move Animal Kingdom then he'll use his experience and grit to out-duel that one for a narrow victory. Animal Kingdom was a horse that caught my eye, but decided to take a wait and see approach in the Derby. Since he answered all my questions with a resounding win, he certainly is the one to beat here. He should run much like he did last time, but with a different pace scenario he may look even more impressive if he can match his closing effort in Baltimore. Sway Away should run well as he is nice and fresh. I see him towards the rear and if he can put in an Afleet Alex like move on the final bend he can win. He hasn't yet flashed that type of brilliance so I have him finishing up nicely for show. Norman Asbjornson is my choice to run huge at high odds, he ran well against the likes of Stay Thirsty, Uncle Mo, and Toby's Corner in his last two and he certainly doesn't lack class to compete with most of these. He is versatile and can break out at any moment, I will be playing him for the win just in case that day is Saturday. Shackleford is this year's First Dude and may run like it in the Preakness but I think the other pace horses will make it tough on him purposely because he is such a threat. Dialed In is probably this year's Ice Box and that one wasn't prepared in 5 weeks for the Belmont by Zito let alone this quick turnaround. He will make an effort but I suspect he will be quite an overlay. Overall, a fair Preakness with a true Triple Crown contender in Animal Kingdom to draw you in for once. Good luck to all and may all come back unharmed and ready for the "Test of Champions" if they dare.

I should also mention I will be placing a win bet on Mr. Commons in remembrance of his sire Artie Schiller besting Animal Kingdom's sire Leroidesanimaux in the 2005 Breeders' Cup Mile. I'm sure Johnny V. remembers.

It really looks like Animal Kingdom is the real deal.  His only question mark was mainly no dirt experience.  Now that he answered that emphatically, I think he is a legitimate threat to take the Preakness and threaten for the Triple Crown.  

What I like most about him is his ability to lay mid pack and make one big sustained run, which is paramount in staying fresh enough for all three races.  

I will make a $20 ex box with MMM and AK, will likely make a longshot $2 exacta box of Shackleford, Midnight Interlude, Dance City, and Norman Asbjornson.

Good Luck to all!

I refrain from making my picks until I see the blog from the "professional gambler" KY VET. That will tell me who not to play.

to TC- too much info- do u think anyone cares where u put your money?

KEGASUS will WIN ! With a beer stein in each hand, he'll leap from the in-field , over the rail at the last moment & race to the finish line,giving a rebel yell & never spilling one drop ! There will be an inquiery as to who or where was the rider...or was KEGASUS the rider..then who was the horse ? Oh..it was "KEG" & "ASUS"...HE WINS !!! Seriously though ; I have so many favorites (now ) in the race I plan to place a last minute bet between saddling barn & post parade,look to see which horse is having a super great day on race day & then place the bets if I can!

I root for more than one but would just love to see the continued beginnings of a TRIPLE CROWN WINNER after so many years.

GOOD LUCK EACH & EVERY ONE !!! (I'm rootin for you ! )

1. Astrology

2. Animal Kingdom

3. Mucho Macho Man

4. Dialed In

Like PomDeTerre, I'm waiting for more input from the experts before making my picks.  Draynay will be posting his from the back of his chauffeur driven Maybach fairly soon.  I wait patiently.

Mucho Macho Man, Animal Kingdom, Dialed In. Those are my Trifacta horses for The Preakness. I'll play a couple longshots as well, Midnight Interlude, Sway Away.

I could care less who Drayneigh and KY Vet bet. Does this guy really think we believe he is a vet ? Maybe veteran but not veterinarian. And, Im starting to wonder if the KY even stands for Kentucky.  

I am really excited to see Shared Account coming out for her 5 year old debut. I had 20 on her in the Breeders Cup F & M Turf and she paid off at 46 to 1. I'll be putting a few down on her again. It could be an awesome day for Motion and Fair Hill.  

Also, Paddy O'Prado (I love this guy) is making his 4 year old debut at Pimlico in the Dixie. There are a ton of nice horses filling up the Stakes barn at Old Hilltop this weekend. I am going over tomorrow morning to see what I can see. I'll be sure to take the camera

Finally we shall see a triple crown winner,

the race will be faster than usual for having two fast pace front runneres ,and the deep closers will show their ability with a perfect run by Animal Kingdom to the winning circle

First I hope all have a safe trip,with no injuries.my prayers are with ARCH. My opinion hmm, I think it's Macho Mans time to shile,this colt isn't even 3 yet and boy is he powerful....if Animal K can get the ride he did in the derby then yea he is in the top 3.I think Astrology is going to have a big run if he breaks good,Asmussen hit 3rd with Curlin to come back n win preeakness, he knows the deal. I'm not passing on Dialed In Or Shackelford, they are both still a threat and if Shack doen't get into a speed duel he just may hang in there and suprise everyone...for the upset i'm gonna go with Kinge Congie and Mr Commons..I was really looking forward to seeing Nehro in this race, that would have changed everything...Good luck to all God bless a safe race...

$50 Exacta Part Wheel,Tripe Crown winner (11)ANIMAL KINGDOM over (5)SHACKLEFORD,(8)MUCHO MACHO MAN, (10)DIALED IN.

No one will out finish the ANIMAL, have you seen that horses strides when he gets to rolling on the outside, reminds me of another big red horse...came home with a rush after slow early fractions in the Derby, the second fastest last half ever, behind big red(SECRETARIAT). Good luck to all!

To finish  3rd in the Kentucky Derby when just 2.88 years old was indeed a creditable performance. On that showing I rate Mucho Macho Man`s chances pretty high.I think I`ll play MMM for win despite knowing that a sentimental favourite is seldom a value bet.Rajiv should exercise good judgement in timing his final  effort.Shackleford and Dialed in should follow him

slow k derby.so speed horse will win,and that's what i like....good luck!

I have the same trifecta as Criminal Type but in reverse order. Sway Away gets a chance to show he should have been in the Derby when Uncle Mo got scratched and I like him as a longshot play too.

This race will be brilliant,real speed for the first quarter by no other Shackleford closed tied by Dance City and Flashpoint.Like the kentucky Dialed in will be dead last.Animal kingdom like the real King will be inthe thick of things just waiting for the moment to Give marching orders to his troop.At the end the King will be on his Throne with Isn't He Perfect standing by as the perfect chief, withShackleford his Deputy for the real courage he shown in marshaling his troop in battle with Mucho Macho Man as Macho as he is ruling over the others.

Obviously, Animal Kingdom is worthy of the favoritism he is receiving at odds of 2-1.  He gave nothing short of an excellent performance in the Derby, which he won by nearly three lengths in a quick time of 2:02.04.  Graham Motion’s decision to ship him to Pimlico on the morning of the Preakness Stakes is a smart move.  Being just a stone’s throw away from the Maryland racetrack, this chestnut colt will likely be more rested than the opposing horses that competed in the Derby, not having the luxury of relaxing at the more tranquil atmosphere of a training center.  I also agree with the decision to keep Kentucky Derby jockey, John Velazquez, in the saddle.

Aside from the subject, I am a 14 year old horseracing enthusiast, and I write a blog about everything thoroughbred horseracing.  I think you will enjoy reading.  Find me at:

bitsnbunny.blogspot.com/.../bunnys-preakness-picks.html

ANIMAL KINGDOM WILL BE 7/5 ..OF COURSE YOU ALL LIKE HIM...HE RAN THE BEST RACE OF HIS LIFE!  NEXT, YOU ALL LOVE MUCHO....HE RAN THE BEST RACE OF HIS LIFE!.....YOU ALL HAVE FIGURED THIS GAME OUT...JUST BET THE HORSES THAT RAN THE BEST RACE OF THEIR LIFE....GOOD HANDICAPPING!! OOHHH WAIT....YOU ALL LOST ON THOSE KINDA HORSES ALL YEAR LONG HUH?...SO EVEN IF YOU WIN THIS RACE, YOURE STILL WAYYYYY BEHIND!!!!  UNLIKE YOU, I UNDERSTAND THIS GAME.  I MAKE MORE MONEY AT THIS GAME THAN ANYONE KNOWS....UNLESS COLDFACTS TELLS YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW MANY TIMES I WAS RIGHT ON THE OLD MSN BLOG 3 YRS AGO...(WHICH HE WON'T) HES A WACK JOB......ANIMAL KINGDOM WINS IF HE DOESNT GO OFF FORM...WHAT CAUSES A HORSE TO GO OFF FORM? HMMM I WONDER......MMM RAN GOOD...MAYBE RUN 1 MORE GOOD.....HERES A CLUE TO MY CHOICE.....WHOS THE BEST HORSE IN THE RACE, THAT HASNT FIRED YET?.....HMMMM I WONDER.............DIALED IN WIN AND PLACE......ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE....

1) Dialed In

2) Flashpoint

3) Mucho Macho Man

4) Animal Kingdom

5) Shackleford

The only other capable of an upset is Astrology IMO

The Animal! He's now what, 5 races, 3 wins and 2 seconds? Looking for our 2011 "stars" to come out and see who our consistent runners are. MMM, AK and Dialed In? Anyone else care to step up? Not that mess we had last year with all three races having 3 different top 3 finishers. blech.

SWAY AWAY his turn and kick are going to be awesome AND HE HAS G. Gomez! (Sway Away has Afleet Alex and Seattle Slew for family ties!)Something has to give there. Plus if you watch Sway Away really close he likes to run.

MMM

DIALED IN

Giddyup, I will be boxing that trifacta. Im not brave enough to play it straight. LOL. I cant help but be impressed by Dance City. WOW, he is a spectacular looking racehorse. I'll have a couple on him tomorrow as well.

FWIW Dance City looks fantastic physically.  If he still looks that good Saturday (and has double digit odds) I'll be putting a WPS bet on him.

AK,MMM,DI is my triple box. Not very original but the others have alot to prove and it appears that The top three have come out of the KD in good shape. I will play a couple of bomb combos but all with AK.

Dance City in the Arkansas Derby was fractious in the gate, pressed the pace, was past by Sway Away, and then passed him back for third. The Fifth place horse in that race, Alternation, came back to win the Peter Pan. ( I had him huge)Nehro then finished second in the Derby, so all signs point to Dance City being the real deal. Discount him if you want, but he will be a factor.

Astrology, 2nd in his last race, was pinned on the rail in the Jerome, and was flying faster than any horse in that race, a good second. This is his third start off a layoff and from being sick, and is with a trainer that knows how to win the Preakness.

Flashpoint has shown great speed, and has been training fantastic. Not sure if he is going upfront or not, but he is another fresh horse that could be a factor.

Shackleford, he may well go the lead, but it will not be an easy one, so he will tire and fade.

Mr Commons has no shot, being turf pedigree and 14 hole.

King Kongie has not shot being a turf horse also. This is not like CD track.

Throw out Midnight Interlude. He is this years flying private. Almost last in the Derby, then comes back to run a lackluster 11th in the Preakness. Calling it now.

Concealed Identiity, really? Norman Absorjan, toss.

So this leaves us with Animal Kingdom, MMM, and Dialed In?

I am still questioning if Dialed In will be able to get to the wire first with all of the horses that will get a jump on him. If Flashpoint and Shack tire out, he still has to go by Animal Kingdom, MMM, and Dance City. I do not see it happening, so I will play against. MMM will be grinding at the end, and I love how he rebroke in the final furlong to get past Shack and almost catch Nehro. He is a nice colt.

AK is the Derby winner, and is the real dea. I had 50 to win on him in the Derby, and the tri, so I can't give up on him now. If he gets a clean trip, he could be a force.

So my picks are

1. Dance City

2. Animal Kingdom

3. Astrology

4. Mucho Macho Man

Box them up, and if you want to do a .50 6 horse box (60$) throw in Flashpoint and Dialed In. The only horse that will have a shot of beating that tri is Sway Away.

@PomDeTerre

I didn't write a whole lot about who I was going to bet. I usually don't divulge that information as everyone will make their own betting decisions, regardless of what I would say on the matter. Instead, I chose to "Predict the Order of Finish", like the title says.

@KY VET

You make a good point. I'm not sure what you're counting as "fired" though. Dialed In must have fired in the Florida Derby. Right? Sway Away however had never had that breakthrough performance, despite most of us thinking he has the talent to win at this level. He needed his last race and hopefully he was putting in some work while awaiting the Preakness. Norman Asbjornson also fits in this category, he is on the cusp and it is just a matter of time. Solid point, but it's up to debate and you are also assuming every horse bounces every time, which in and of itself is flawed. The Preakness usually holds to form. The best horse has won in Baltimore for the last 10 years in a row. Animal Kingdom just might be the best horse in here.

Truth is the Jury is still out on all these horses.

I say this because there is a horse for the Course in this race.

Concealed Identity 2 for 2 over the track out of Smarty Jones..

This horse will be getting some $$ from me across the board and will be in my exotic tixs..

Good Luck..

My main win bet is Dialed In though..

First a comment to KY VET. no need to say the u all statement,cocky will get u know where darlin. you are not the only one who wins money.I used to break race horse. and for ur info we HVE NOT seen Macho Mans best race yet,are u forgetting he is still young! Dont take a rocket scientist to see that.Yea u right Dialed In didnt handle the dirt in his face so yes he has a great chance of pulling it off, as does most of the field.. so i'm gonna speak for those who don't want to say this... stop being so rude..he who thinks he knows everything really knows nothing in the end...No disrespect but the horses are more important than your money...I hope Macho wins just to prove you wrong...luv ya

Flashpoint wire to wire. Shack does not want to take him on early and if he does FP will sit nicely right on his back. Lightly raced and ready to roll. Grandsire is Boundary who sired Big Brown. AK, MMM and Astrology round out the tri and the super. Good luck!!!

"Flashpoint wire to wire. Shack does not want to take him on early and if he does FP will sit nicely right on his back. Lightly raced and ready to roll. Grandsire is Boundary who sired Big Brown. "

Grandsire (damside) is Two Punch, sire of Smoke Glacken, Punch Line, K. O. Punch, et. al., and Two Punch Lil, a SW sprinting mare who couldn't last out a mile. You are expecting the offspring of two sprinters to run better than either of them did at longer distance. It can happen, but it isn't as likely as the other outcome (the apple falling not far from the tree).

EX KEY: $2

Dance City

  with

Mr Commons

Astrology

Shackleford

Isn't He Perfect

Dialed In

Animal Kingdom

TRI KEY: $1

Dance City

  with

Mr Commons

Astrology

Shackleford

Isn't He Perfect

Dialed In

Animal Kingdom

well, i was right about all of the tosses, I just had the wrong speed on top, and after looking at shack in the post parade and how hot and washy he was, I still would not of bet on him. he ran a gutsy race and held on.