2018 Preakness Stakes one-liners

After summing up each Kentucky Derby (G1) contender in one line, the same treatment is in store for the Preakness (G1). This time, though, the verdicts will go faster with just eight entrants in the Triple Crown’s middle jewel.

Away we go, in post position order:

#1 QUIP: Trip-advantaged Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner was put in his place when a distant second in the Arkansas Derby (G1), but early speed plus mud-friendly pedigree helps his cause.

#2 LONE SAILOR: Louisiana Derby (G2) near-misser encountered traffic en route to a one-paced eighth in the Kentucky Derby, and the slop-proven closer may prefer the slight cutback in trip.

#3 SPORTING CHANCE: Winless since the off-track Hopeful (G1), sometimes wayward colt did not progress on the Derby trail but finished a useful fourth after trouble in the sloppy Pat Day Mile (G3).

#4 DIAMOND KING: Federico Tesio hero would have fit better in last Saturday’s Peter Pan (G3), but you can’t fault connections for wanting to accept the Preakness berth he won last time at Laurel.

#5 GOOD MAGIC: Gallant runner-up in the Kentucky Derby ran his best race since his championship-clinching Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), and a similar result is likely unless he can find another gear late.

#6 TENFOLD: Fifth in the Arkansas Derby after winning his first two, highly regarded colt has plenty of scope to progress and figures to act in the slop.

#7 JUSTIFY: Unbeaten Kentucky Derby star has answered every challenge convincingly, and with his high speed and off-track proficiency, he’ll incite Triple Crown fever.

#8 BRAVAZO: Derby sixth promises to improve upon his result at Churchill, as the Risen Star (G2) victor’s bizarre trip in the ensuing Louisiana Derby was effectively the waste of a final prep.  

If this whets your appetite for further analysis, I’ve scribbled in-depth Preakness contender profiles.

Good luck and happy Preakness!

For complete details, see Brisnet’s free PPs for the Preakness, and also be sure to check out the free Betting Guide with expert selections.

Justify photo courtesy of the Maryland Jockey Club