Betting The Preakness

[justindew]

For starters, I'm going to eliminate Hard Spun and Curlin from my exacta tickets. Even though the Derby forced me to throw the history books in the trash, I'm still hanging on to my "Solid Losing Effort In The Derby=Overbet in Defeat In the Preakness" angle. (See Imperialism, Closing Argument, Medaglia D' Oro, and others). I also think Curlin needs a rest.

Second, I think Street Sense will win. I know that Hard Spun and Curlin will get major support at the windows, but I can't see Street Sense going off any higher than 6-5. Maybe I'm way off base, but that's what I'm thinking. So unless I decide to bet serious cash on Street Sense to win, I have to hit the exacta if I want a nice payday.

Here's the problem. I don't really like any of the other contenders. King of the Roxy ran his final 1/8 at Santa Anita in almost 14 seconds. Xchanger has never run well routing against top competition. I'm not playing Mint Slewlip. Flying First Class, on paper, appears to be a sprinter. Circular Quay's running style does not exactly scream "Pimlico!" There's something about CP West that intrigues me, but he also has yet to do anything around two turns.

Where does that leave me?

I guess it leaves me with a win bet on Street Sense. How boring.