Big Brown goes for Derby-Preakness double

The 133rd Preakness Stakes has arrived, and Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown looks like a short priced winner on paper. The undefeated colt has been awesome in four victories to kick off his career, and he hardly faces a stellar cast in Baltimore. His task was made that much easier when Grade 2 winner Behindatthebar scratched due to a bruised foot. Returning in two weeks following a career top is a concern, but the Dutrow trainee could bounce and still beat many of these. They still have to run the race, and there are a few with the talent to make some noise.

Gayego had all sorts of early trouble in the Derby, and that threw the early/pressing type off his game. He fired in all of his previous starts, and the Grade 2 winner could sit the right outside stalking trip. Dangerous rebound candidate with clear sailing.

Icabad Crane is an interesting price player for Graham Motion. His lone career setback was a synthetic 3rd in the Rushaway at Turfway. He exits a victory in the local nine furlong prep for this, and the lightly raced sort has plenty of upside.

Speaking of raw talent, Kentucky Bear has only raced three times. He was rushed into graded action following a visually impressive debut maiden romp in Florida, and he failed to seriously threaten in the Fountain of Youth as expected. He rebounded with a solid 3rd in the Blue Grass, and he is training with a purpose for this engagement.

Giant Moon began his career with four straight tallies, but he has found graded company a bit too much in his last pair. He is another with a good looking work pattern, and the early/pressing type should make his presence felt in the early stages at the very least.

Tres Borrachos looms the early target, and Racecar Rhapsody and Yankee Bravo will be grinding in the late stages.

Hey Byrn, Macho Again, Riley Tucker, and Stevil round out the twelve horse field.

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