Folks at Old Hilltop have long said “they only run the Kentucky Derby to find out who is good enough for the Preakness”. We are not sure if that necessarily applies in this day and age, but nevertheless Pimlico Race Course will take center stage on Saturday, May 18 as the second leg of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown is to be contested. Long considered a speed favoring track, this mile and three sixteenths meander over the Maryland dirt should feature another hotly contested affair. Let’s examine the nine runners going to post, provide the morning line, and give a thought on each…Back a horse and get paid !!!
- Mugatu (20-1)- Took 5 tries to break his maiden and has not won since- way overmatched here
- Uncle Heavy (20-1)- Pennsylvania-bred that has won 3 of 5 lifetime- has Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons - might be worth a look
- Catching Freedom (6-1)- Louisiana Derby winner finished well in Kentucky Derby to grab 4th- trainer Brad Cox wouldn’t run him if he didn’t have a chance here
- Mystik Dan (5-2)- Kentucky Derby winner is our top pick- if the pace is contested and he gets that stalking trip it will be magical again
- Seize the Grey (15-1)-Pat Day Mile winner is our longshot pick- trainer D. Wayne Lukas likes running when his horses are right
- Just Steel (15-1) Another hard-knocking Lukas entry that melted as part of a hot Kentucky Derby pace and finished 17th—might put early pressure on Muth
- Tuscan Gold (8-1)-Trainer Chad brown has won twice (2017, 2022) and finished second last year with horses that did not run in the Derby….HMMMMMM
- Imagination (6-1) Another bob Baffert runner that likes to be up front- has 2 wins and 4 seconds in 6 lifetime starts but has never shipped.
