Top pick: #13 (RACHEL ALEXANDRA) - I don't normally like fillies running against colts, but this daughter of "Medaglia d'Oro" certainly brings the credentials necessary for success at this level. Major stakes winner at two, she's reached another level this season as she's won four in a row, all with ridiculous ease. As big as many colts, and like them she's grown and matured considerably since her two-year-old season. I like her chances, but the post is a negative factor. She'll need a good trip and must avoid traffic at all costs. She enters this with a "Target" on her back as both a filly and the favorite, and the other riders won't make it easy for her as they'll be intent on forcing her into a wide trip early on. If Cal Borel is patient she can win this 134th running of the Preakness.
2nd pick: #1 (Big Drama) - Very dangerous runner brings the most speed to the party and also has the rail advantage (a big edge at Pimlico). Talented son of "Montbrook" proved his quality last season at two with a series of victories including a trio of Florida-bred stakes wins and a big win in the "Jackpot" at Delta Downs in early December. Seasonal debut saw him hold off a nice colt in "This Ones For Phil" in the "Swale" (G2) at Gulfstream only to be disqualified. Freshened-up for the past seven weeks by a top barn (Dave Fawkes), colt is training superbly for this. Win candidate
3rd pick: #5 (Friesian Fire) - I liked him at Churchill and he was basically eliminated in the first 100 yards. "Bumped" and "squeezed" at the start, son of "A.P. Indy" backed up readily and came back bleeding after another colt stepped on him early. He had a blazing work on the Pimlico surface on May 12, so all appears well. Look for a big race from him today and he has a shot at the win.
4th pick: #9 (Pioneer of the Nile) - Ran a big race in the "Derby" considering it was his first attempt on conventional dirt and it came on a "sloppy" surface. Son of "Empire Maker" did everything right and looked like the winner turning for home, and although passed for the win, he held gamely for the place. Consistent and in the Baffert barn, he should be positioned just off the lead with every chance turning for home. No knocks from me for those who "fancy his chances" today. Contender.