May 18, 2019

866.88XPRESS (866.889.7737) Welcome to Xpressbet’s FREE Preakness Wager Guide!

Fellow Racing Fan,

Congratulations to the connections of 2019 winner ! That certainly was one wild-and-woolly Kentucky Derby, culminating with the fi rst on-track win disqualifi cation in the race’s storied 145-year history.

Because of the Kentucky Derby’s wide-open nature, Preakness fi gures to be a similarly challenging handicapping puzzle. None of the top 3 o‰ cial Derby fi nishers will contest the Preakness, so that leaves and as post-Louisville headliners.

Set to join Derby runners in are capable new faces that have been pointed toward Old Hilltop: Alwaysmining, Anothertwistafate, Sueno, Owendale, Bourbon War and more.

Have no fear. Xpressbet’s FREE Preakness Wager Guide will navigate you through these uncharted waters. We’ve recruited top handicappers, writers and broadcasters to examine the race—Analysis, Main Contenders, Value Plays and $100 Wagering Strategies.

In addition to race-by-race expert commentary, inside you’ll also fi nd oodles of useful Stats & Trends, a handy Exotic Wagering Chart and much more.

This season, following the Preakness post-position draw, Xpressbet again will produce an updated version of this guide to refl ect adjustments in expert opinions based on up-to-the-minute information. Make certain to return to the Xpressbet website Friday, May 18 for a FREE revised and enhanced version of the guide, including ’s valuable opinions.

When you are ready to wager, anytime from anywhere, Xpressbet can help. We’re the best online, telephone and mobile horserace wagering service in the nation!

As a current account holder, you know Xpressbet is the best place to watch and wager on worldwide racing. If you don’t already wager with Xpressbet, act now and earn up to $500 in bonus cash! That will come in handy Preakness Day. Complete details are available at Xpressbet.com.

Xpressbet hopes your 2019 Preakness wagering experience is fruitful and we look forward to serving as your advance deposit account wagering provider for the big day and into the future.

Sincerely, The Xpressbet Team Preakness Wagering Facts By Jeremy Plonk, Xpressbet @HorsePlayerNow

Below are some informative wagering tidbits from past events.

Win-Place-Show Odds Superfecta Payo s (Last 15 years, Odds to $1) (Last 15 years, $1 Payo§ s) Win Odds Average: $3,972.53 Average: 4.91 Notable: Average odds of fourth-place fi nishers is 12.9-to-1. High: 15.40 (, 2013) High: $11,151.20 Low: .20 (, 2008) (-Sweetnorthernsaint-Hemingway’s Key- Notable: Winner has been 3-1 or less 12 of the last 16 years. Brother Derek, 2006) Low: $173.80 Place Odds (-Ride On -Social Inclusion- Average: 12.42 General A Rod, 2014) High: 39.90 (Macho Again, 2008) Notable: Just 4 times in the bet’s 20-year history the Superfecta has Low: 1.30 (, 2007) been a 5-digit payo§ . Notable: 7 of the last 15 runner-ups have been 10-1 or more, including 4 of last 5. Highest-Priced Superfecta Finishers (Last 15 Years, Odds to $1) Show Odds Odds Horse Year Fin. Average: 13.78 39.90 Macho Again 2008 2nd High: 31.70 (Senior Investment, 2017) 31.70 Senior Investment 2017 3rd Low: .70 (, 2016) 29.40 Hemingway’s Key 2006 3rd Notable: 9 of the last 13 Show horses have been 10-1 28.50 Tale of Verve 2015 2nd or more. 26.10 Tenfold 2018 3rd 25.40 Flying Private 2009 4th Exacta Payo s 25.10 Racecar Rhapsody 2008 4th (Last 15 years, $2 Payo§ s) Average: $95.20 Lowest-Priced Favorites High: $301.40 (Last 15 Years, Odds to $1) (Oxbow-Itsmyluckyday, 2013) Odds Horse Year Fin. Low: $18.20 .20 Big Brown 2008 1st (California Chrome-Ride On Curlin, 2014) .40 2018 1st Notable: 11 of last 12 Exactas have included at least 1 horse at 5-2 .50 California Chrome 2014 1st odds or less. .50 2006 dnf .70 Nyquist 2016 3rd Trifecta Payo s .70 2004 1st (Last 15 years, $1 Payo§ s) .70 2013 4th Average: $662.27 .90 2015 1st High: $3,912.80 1.20 2017 8th (Bernardini-Sweetnorthernsaint-Hemingway’s Key, 2006) 1.30 Street Sense 2007 2nd Low: $35.40 1.80 2009 1st (I’ll Have Another-Bodemeister-Creative Cause, 2012) 1.90 2010 8th Notable: 4 of last 7 Trifectas have paid $148 or less.

Bob Neumeier Millie Ball Je Siegel Jon White Dick Jerardi Steve Byk Expert (HPNow) (XBTV.com) (XBTV.com) (Santa Anita) (DRF) (SiriusXM Radio)

First Improbable Improbable Improbable War of Will War of Will Alwaysmining Second War of Will Alwaysmining Owendale Improbable Improbable Improbable Third Bodexpress War of Will Alwaysmining Alwaysmining Alwaysmining War of Will Fourth Alwaysmining Owendale War of Will Owendale Owendale Owendale Preakness Contenders By Johnny D, Xpressbet @XBJohnnyD

Improbable: What’s a Preakness without trainer Bob Ba§ ert? Like a day without sunshine. This Ba§ ert-trained Kentucky Derby favorite arrives in Baltimore o§ a troubled original 5th-placing. It’s reasonable to expect a better performance at Pimlico. The shorter distance favors him and expe- rience gained in Louisville can only help this Grade 1 winner regain top form that has produced 5 in-the-money fi nishes in 6 races. Expect to fi nd him mid-pack early.

War of Will: Dominant at Fair Grounds this winter, this son of ran creditably in the Derby after starting from the dreaded number 1 post. He was in the thick of the Louisville doings until just o§ the fi nal turn when part of the disqualifi cation incident. He then faded to 8th. In the Kentucky Derby, he was coming o§ a troubled trip and hadn’t had a serious race since Feb. 16. This pace-stalker should be much more fi t in Baltimore.

Alwaysmining: This son of Stay Thirsty is a local sophomore tiger. He’s won six-in-a-row, all at Laurel, including four stakes. While he hasn’t faced graded-stakes competition yet, winning margins that range from 1 1/2 to 11 1/2 lengths suggest he can make the leap. He races mainly on the front end, but can sit just o§ the pace like he did last out in the . There doesn’t seem to be an abundance of early speed in Preakness and the race is in , so…

Owendale: After spending the winter in New Orleans, this son of Into Mischief rebounded strongly last time out from a 12th-place fi nish in the Louisiana Derby to upset the Stakes at Keene- land. He rallied from well o§ the pace that day at healthy 12-1 odds. He’s experienced with 8 lifetime starts and is trained by the young and talented Brad Cox. He will be a decent price in the Preakness and has to close from far back.

Anothertwistafate: Winner of 3 of 6 races, including the El Camino Real Derby, this son of Scat Daddy has been second in his last 2 starts and a bit under the sophomore radar until now. He was runner-up to Cutting Humor in the Sunland Park Derby and to Owendale in the Lexington at Keene- land. All 3 wins came at Golden Gate over a synthetic surface. He races either on or just o§ the pace and should fi nd a suitable spot early in the Preakness.

Bourbon War: A winner of 2 of 5 starts, this son of boasts a runner-up fi nish to original Kentucky Derby show horse Code of Honor in the Xpressbet Fountain of Youth. He also was fourth in the Xpressbet behind original Kentucky Derby winner Maximum Security. He races from well o§ the pace and requests an early pace meltdown for his best. Trainer Mark Hennig has saddled two previous Preakness starters: Eddington (2004, 3rd) and Personal Hope (1993, 4th). When You Win, You Lose Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By , HorsePlayerNow.com 4YO+, Fillies & Mares 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: A wise man once proclaimed, “There is only one way to win a race and Stats & Trends

20,000 ways to lose.” Unfortunately for the connections and betting public at the Lexington Winners in Preakness Kentucky Derby, Maximum Security landed on one of the 20,000 ways. Yes, he proved to (Since 1988) be the best horse. Yes, he should have been disqualifi ed. In fact, according to Equibase, Year Horse Fin. 2017 Senior Investment 3rd the internal fractions show what a remarkable e§ ort ‘Max put forth. Sloppy track or not, 2016 Collected 10th here are the ¼ mile splits in order: 22.31, 24.31, 25.88, 26.13, and 25.30. Translation: The 2015 Divining Rod 3rd fi rst quarter was insanely fast; and notably the last quarter ran faster than the third or 2003 Scrimshaw 3rd 2002 Proud Citizen 3rd fourth, which occurs on turf, but rarely on dirt. As much as we love handicapping and 1999 1st betting the races, we need to recognize how di‰ cult this process can be. Between fast, 1998 Classic Cat 3rd muddy and sloppy/sealed tracks and the infi nite number of ways to lose, it is likely best 1997 Touch Gold 4th 1995 Star Standard 4th to echo the sentiments of the television character Walter White in “Breaking Bad,” who 1992 My Luck Runs North 12th uttered, “Maybe the best course would be to tread lightly.” 1991 1st 1988 1st Note: Overall 12: 3-0-5-2 Main Contenders: Handicappers love trouble lines and wager accordingly. The stout running lines of WAR OF WILL, combined with jostling in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Winner Without Derby Winner (Since 1982) guarantees him a top slot in the Preakness Stakes. IMPROBABLE has been bet heavily in Year Winner Odds Prep Fin all six of his runs. You could not locate OWENDALE with a telescope in the Risen Star, 1996 8-1 Ky Derby 16th but he bounced back to win for fun in the Lexington. 1985 Tank’s Prospect 9-2 Ky Derby 7th 1982 Aloma’s Ruler 6-1 Withers 1st

Value Plays: The Xpressbet Florida Derby (whose alumni in the Preakness include Beaten Derby Favorites in Preakness (Last 20 Years) BODEXPRESS and BOURBON WAR) and the (LAUGHING FOX) appear Year Horse Derby Odds Preak Odds to be “key” races after what we saw in Kentucky. The local ALWAYSMINING is on a roll 2012 Bodemeister 2nd (4-1) 2nd (8-5*) and a consideration in the exotics. 2011 8th (5-1) 4th (4-1) 2010 6th (6-1) 1st (2-1) 2009 Friesan Fire 18th (7-2) 10th (9-1) $100 Wagering Strategy: 2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 7th (5-1) 2nd (6-1) • $10 Exacta Box: WAR OF WILL and IMPROBABLE ($20) 2002 Harlan’s 7th (6-1) 4th (5-1) 2001 5th (9-5) 1st (2-1*) • $2 Trifecta Part-Wheel: WAR OF WILL and IMPROBABLE with BODEXPRESS and 1999 Excellent Meeting 5th (9-2) DNF (6-1) ALWAYSMINING with WAR OF WILL, IMPROBABLE, BOURBON WAR, *Favorite LAUGHING FOX, OWENDALE, BODEXPRESS and ALWAYSMINING ($40) Note: Bob Ba§ ert-trained horses 4: 2-1-0. • $2 Trifecta Part-Wheel: WAR OF WILL and IMPROBABLE with WAR OF WILL, ? Know This IMPROBABLE, BOURBON WAR, LAUGHING FOX, OWENDALE, BODEXPRESS and ALWAYSMINING with BODEXPRESS and ALWAYSMINING ($40) Rally Cry: In 5 of the last 6 Preakness Stakes a horse has rallied from last to fi nish second or third.

Bob’s Picks 1. IMPROBABLE 3 .BODEXPRESS 2. WAR OF WILL 4. ALWAYSMINING Exotic Wagering Chart

Preakness exotic wagers usually produce hefty payo s. Use this handy Exotic Wagering Chart to help plan your attack.

Exacta Box: ($1 Wager) Trifecta Key: ($.50 Wager) 2 horse box ...... $2 1 Horse with 3 others...... $3 3 horse box ...... $6 (Example: 1/ 2, 3, 4/ 2, 3, 4) 4 horse box ...... $12 1 Horse with 4 others...... $6 5 horse box ...... $20 (Example: 1/ 2, 3, 4, 5/ 2, 3, 4, 5) 6 horse box ...... $30 1 Horse with 5 others...... $10 7 horse box ...... $42 (Example: 1/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 8 horse box ...... $56 1 Horse with 6 others...... $15 (Example: 1/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Exacta Wheel: ($1 Wager) 1 Horse with 7 others...... $21 One Horse with All (Example: 1/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8/ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 6 horse fi eld ...... $5 7 horse fi eld...... $6 Superfecta Box: ($1 Wager) 8 horse fi eld ...... $7 4 Horse Box...... $24 9 horse fi eld ...... $8 5 Horse Box...... $120 10 horse fi eld ...... $9 6 Horse Box...... $360

Trifecta Box: ($.50 Wager) Superfecta Wheel: ($1 Wager) 3 Horse Box...... $3 One Horse with All with All with All 4 Horse Box...... $12 (Example: 1/All/All/All or All/1/All/All or All/All/1/All or All/ All/ All/1) 5 Horse Box...... $30 7 Horse Field ...... $120 6 Horse Box...... $60 8 Horse Field...... $210 7 Horse Box...... $105 9 Horse Field...... $336 8 Horse Box...... $168 10 Horse Field ...... $504

Trifecta Wheel: ($.50 Wager) One Horse with Two Horses with All with All One Horse with All with All (Example: 1/2,3/All/All or 2,3/1/All/All or 1/All/All/ 2,3 or (Example: 1/All/All or All/1/All or All/All/1) 2,3/All/All/1 or All/All/1/ 2,3 or All/All/2,3/ 1) 7 Horse Field ...... $15 7 Horse Field ...... $40 8 Horse Field...... $21 8 Horse Field...... $60 9 Horse Field...... $28 9 Horse Field...... $84 10 Horse Field ...... $36 10 Horse Field ...... $112

One Horse with Two Horses with All Superfecta Key: ($1 Wager) (Example: 1/2,3/All or 2,3/1/All or 1/ 1 Horse with 3 others...... $6 All/2,3 or 2,3/All/1 or All/1/2,3 or (Example: 1/2, 3, 4/2, 3, 4/2, 3, 4) All/2,3/1) 1 Horse with 4 others...... $24 7 Horse Field ...... $5 (Example: 1/2, 3, 4, 5/2, 3, 4, 5/2, 3, 4, 5) 8 Horse Field...... $6 1 Horse with 5 others...... $60 9 Horse Field...... $7 (Example: 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6/2, 3, 4, 5, 6/2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 10 Horse Field ...... $8 1 Horse with 6 others...... $120 (Example: 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 1 Horse with 7 others...... $210 (Example: 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) Improbable is Right Horse Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By Millie Ball, XBTV.com 4YO+, Fillies & Mares @camillayakteen 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: Running a horse back in two weeks is not generally trainer Bob Ba§ ert’s MO, Stats & Trends but he’s been successful at it. In fact, he has raced only 29 horses o§ layo§ s of exactly 14 Fastest Preakness Stakes days since 2013. And of these 29, 35% have won; and of those wheeling back in stakes Year Horse Time races, in particular, 85% have run in the money. It comes as little surprise, therefore, that 1973 1:53 1985 Tank’s Prospect 1:53 2/5 all 7 of Ba§ ert’s Preakness victories have come with horses who competed in the fi rst 1996 Louis Quatorze 1:53 2/5 leg of the Triple Crown two weeks prior. IMPROBABLE ran a better race in the Kentucky 2007 Curlin 1:53 2/5 Derby than it appears he did on paper. He deserves credit for hanging in there for a 1984 1:53 3/5 1990 1:53 3/5 fourth-placing. The Preakness fi eld will be smaller, and post position-permitting with his 1989 1:53 4/5 newest pilot Mike Smith, you can be assured he will be sitting closer to the pace with the 1991 Hansel 1:54 potential for a cleaner trip. 1971 Cannonero II 1:54 Fastest Fractions Main Contenders: ALWAYSMINING keeps running faster – and winning by greater Dist. Time Horse 1/4 :22 2/5 (Tied 4 times) margins – as race distances have increased. He has proven he is equally as e§ ective 1/2 :45 Forbes (1976) when rating as he is on the lead; now he just needs to confi rm he can transfer his Laurel 3/4 1:09 (1976) form to Pimlico. IMPROBABLE’S immaturity has compromised him in larger fi elds this Mile 1:34 1/5 Sunday Silence (1989) Chief’s Crown (1985) year, although his more professional behavior at the gate prior to the Kentucky Derby Secretariat (1973) indicates he is beginning to grow up. The City Zip colt is the only Grade 1 winner in Final 1:53 Secretariat (1973) the potential Preakness fi eld. WAR OF WILL is likely to be over-bet because of his Half-Mile Leaders inclusion in the trouble lines of the Kentucky Derby. He is his own worst enemy due to (Last 10 Years) his aggressiveness, but if he breaks cleanly and is presented with a more fl uent race, he Year Horse Finish could be in the mix with less distance and depth to deal with in the second leg of the 2018 Justify 1st 2017 Always Dreaming 8th classics. WAR OF WILL will be a terrifi c turf horse. 2016 Nyquist 3rd 2015 American Pharoah 1st Value Plays: Since ALWAYSMINING is trained by the less-familiar Kelly Rubley, who 2014 Pablo Del Monte 6th 2013 Oxbow 1st has done a tremendous job keeping her 3-year-old gelding in razor-sharp form, he 2012 Bodemeister 2nd might not earn the respect at the windows he deserves. He ran the last furlong of the 2011 Flashpoint 14th in 12.47. Plus he has the advantage of four weeks rest. OWENDALE 2010 First Dude 2nd 2009 Rachel Alexandra 1st ran a career-best Beyer in the Lexington Stakes coming from well o§ the pace. ? Know This $100 Wagering Strategy: Seventh Heaven: Bob Ba§ ert notched his seventh • $20 Win: ALWAYSMINING ($20) Preakness victory with Justify last year. Each of his • $20 Win: IMPROBABLE ($20) Preakness successes have come with Kentucky • $1 Trifecta Box: IMPROBABLE, WAR OF WILL, OWENDALE, ALWAYSMINING, Derby alumni, and notably he’s 5-for-5 in the Preakness with Derby winners. ANOTHERTWISTAFATE ($60)

Millie’s Picks 1. IMPROBABLE 3 .WAR OF WILL 2. ALWAYSMINING 4. OWENDALE It’s a Little Thin at the Top Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By Je Siegel, XBTV.com 4YO+, Fillies & Mares @jsiegelracing 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: Not since in 1996 has the Kentucky Derby winner been withheld Stats & Trends from the Preakness. Not since 1951 have the Derby’s fi rst 4 under the line sat out the Wire-to-Wire Winners Triple Crown’s second jewel. A thinned-out Preakness fi eld is good news to the beaten (Last 50 Years) Derby favorite IMPROBABLE, who crossed the wire fi fth before being moved up a Year Horse 2018 Justify* notch following the disqualifi cation of fi rst-across-the-wire Maximum Security. And, 2015 American Pharoah* with the kissed-in Derby winner Country House sitting this dance out with a cough, 2013 Oxbow * IMPROBABLE once again becomes the probable betting choice for the powerful / 2009 Rachel Alexandra * 1996 Louis Quartorze * trainer team of Bob Ba§ ert and Mike Smith. Meanwhile, the long-range weather forecast 1982 Aloma’s Ruler is for sunny skies and a high of 73. We’ll take it. 1972 *Did not lead at start call.

Main Contenders: IMPROBABLE was pocketed during the fi rst mile of the Derby and Last-to-First Winners when fi nally extracting himself from the pack in the upper stretch, he couldn’t quite (Since 1910) Year Horse Strs. Behind ½ Mile quicken as expected over a wet surface that his jockey Irad Ortiz says he didn’t care for. 1974 13 10 1/2 lengths Yet, the City Zip colt was beaten only 3 ¼ lengths. Perhaps most importantly, he’s the 1961 9 14 1/2 lengths only Grade 1 winner in the prospective fi eld. Among the new shooters, OWENDALE 1952 10 13 1/2 lengths 1941 9 9 lengths appears the most dangerous. He was a devastating winner with a powerful late kick in the Lexington Stakes in a career-top e§ ort that, if repeated at Pimlico, will give Successful Locals IMPROBABLE plenty to worry about. (Last 20 Years) Year Horse Fin. 2008 Icabad Crane 3rd Value Plays: ALWAYSMINING brings a 6-race winning streak to the Preakness, and 2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 2nd although his Beyer fi gures are a tad shy of what might be needed to win, the Stay Thirsty 2005 Scrappy T 2nd 2002 2nd gelding could easily inherit the role as the controlling speed. If not policed up front, he could take this fi eld a very long way. WAR OF WILL should draft into a comfortable, ? Know This pace-stalking position and then have every chance, assuming he doesn’t encounter the kind of rough trip that made him famous on social media two weeks ago. Longshots Long Gone: Only 2 horses since 1911 have won the Preakness at odds of 20-1 or more.

$100 Wagering Strategy: Waiting Their Turn: Tale of Verve (2015) and Cherry • $20 Exacta Box: IMPROBABLE and OWENDALE ($40) Wine (2016) both fi nished second in the Preakness after being excluded from the Kentucky Derby— • $5 Exacta Box: IMPROBABLE, OWENDALE and ALWAYSMINING ($30) entered but excluded due to insu‰ cient points. • $5 Exacta Box: IMPROBABLE, OWENDALE and WAR OF WILL ($30) They are the two most-recent Derby exclusions to attempt the Preakness.

Keeneland Keepers: Since 2015, 7 Preakness runners have exited most-recent starts at . 5 of them have been in the superfecta – at average odds of more than 14-1. Je ’s Picks 1. IMPROBABLE 3 .ALWAYSMINING 2. OWENDALE 4. WAR OF WILL It’s Time to Go to ’War Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By Jon White, Santa Anita Oddsmaker 4YO+, Fillies & Mares @PostTimeJon 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: It’s fair to say the is the most controversial Triple Crown Stats & Trends race since the 1980 Preakness, when there was a claim of foul (but no stewards’ inquiry Winners Who Skipped Derby and no DQ) after and the fi lly raced together very wide into the lane (Since 1970) when battling for command. Based on recent history, the 2019 Preakness winner most Year Horse 2017 likely will be someone who competed in the Derby. That’s because just 4 of the last 35 2009 Rachel Alexandra Preakness winners ( in 2000, Bernardini in 2006, Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and 2006 Bernardini Cloud Computing in 2017) did not run in the Derby. 2000 Red Bullet 1983 1982 Aloma’s Ruler Main Contenders: Kentucky Derby alums IMPROBABLE and WAR OF WILL fi gure 1980 Codex to have a big say in the outcome of the Preakness. It is probable that IMPROBABLE, 1972 Bee Bee Bee who spent much of the Derby boxed in as the 4-1 favorite, will appreciate the shorter Where Winners Were Bred Preakness trip. WAR OF WILL similarly was boxed in during the early stages of the Derby Wins State 99 Kentucky before being impeded on the far turn. After having six weeks between his misfi re in the 8 Maryland Louisiana Derby and the Kentucky Derby, WAR OF WILL now could be ready to run a 7 Florida biggie in Baltimore. ALWAYSMINING, who has reeled o§ 6 straight wins, crushed his 6 Pennsylvania 6 Virginia Federico Tesio foes when he prevailed by 11 ½ lengths. OWENDALE looked terrifi c winning the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. ? Know This

Light and Lively Resumes: The 2 most-recent Value Plays: ANOTHERTWISTAFATE has fi nished fi rst or second in all 5 of his starts Preakness winners, Justify (2018) and Cloud around 2 turns. BOURBON WAR fi nished fourth in the Xpressbet Florida Derby when Computing (2017), had only 4 and 3 prior career a slow pace compromised his chances. WIN WIN WIN didn’t care for the wet track in starts, respectively.

Louisville and is going to live up to his name someday in an important race. Slow Go for Tesio: The winner of Maryland’s Preakness prep, the Federico Tesio Stakes, hasn’t $100 Wagering Strategy: added the middle jewel of the Triple Crown since Deputed Testamony (1983). The best since was • $40 Win: WAR OF WILL ($40) Oliver’s Twist, second to (1995). • $4 Exacta Box: WAR OF WILL, IMPROBABLE, ALWAYSMINING and OWENDALE ($48) • $1 Exacta Box: WAR OF WILL, ANOTHERTWISTAFATE, BOURBON WAR and Ladies First: Trainer Kelly Rubley (Alwaysmining) could become the fi rst female trainer to win the WIN WIN WIN ($12) Preakness Stakes. Locally based Nancy Alberts was runner-up with Magic Weisner (2002). Daily Guide Updates begin Wednesday, May 15 Fenced In: Only 2 Preakness winners in more than A revised guide, including Analysis, Selections and Wager Strategies a half-century have started from post 1: American from NBC’s Eddie Olczyk and VSiN’s Brent Musburger, Pharoah (2015) and (1994). will be available beginning Thursday, May 16.

Jon’s Picks 1. WAR OF WILL 3 .ALWAYSMINING 2. IMPROBABLE 4. OWENDALE Derby Alumni Escape TraŒ c Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By Dick Jerardi, Daily Racing Form 4YO+, Fillies & Mares @DickJerardi 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: With the horse who ‘won’ the Kentucky Derby and the horse who fi nished Stats & Trends

fi rst in the Derby not running, the Preakness has broken wide open. The early pace Soph Champions battle appears as if it will be among ALWAYSMINING, ANOTHERTWISTAFATE and (The Preakness winner has been named Champion BODEXPRESS. WAR OF WILL did not look at all comfortable on the rail sitting behind 3-year-old in 14 of the last 18 years.) Year Horse Maximum Security on the long run down the Churchill Downs backstretch. He made 2018 Justify a long, sustained run immediately after the incident on the far turn. You’ve got to think 2015 American Pharoah if he gets a clean, outside trip where he could relax, his move could be even more 2014 California Chrome 2012 I’ll Have Another powerful and impactful. IMPROBABLE also had to sit in a pocket most of the way in the 2010 Lookin At Lucky Derby. He also will run much better with less tra‰ c around him. 2009 Rachel Alexandra (fi lly) 2008 Big Brown 2007 Curlin Main Contenders: IMPROBABLE has an incredible Beyer series of 96, 99, 95, 96 and 2006 Bernardini 93. He’s likely to be favored with the deadly Bob Ba§ ert-Mike Smith combo. WAR OF 2005 Afl eet Alex WILL’S ‘trouble’ was over almost as fast as it began. He ran with Maximum Security for a 2004 Smarty Jones 2003 few hundred yards. He could not keep up in the fi nal 100 yards against a horse that has 2002 never fi nished behind another horse. ALWAYSMINING, the best Maryland-based horse in 2001 Point Given the race in years, has won his last six starts by a combined 36 lengths. He proved he did 2018 Preakness Handle not need the lead when he rated o§ the pace and blew the fi eld away in the Federico (Millions, Except for Double) Tesio Stakes. His speed fi gures are not far o§ what it is going to take to win. OWENDALE Pool Handle Win, Place, Show $ 20.6 ran a giant race in his impressive Lexington win when he got a lifetime-best speed fi gure. Trifecta $ 14.7 ANOTHERTWISTAFATE has given a big e§ ort in each of his last fi ve starts. If BOURBON Exacta $ 10.2 WAR can come back to his second in the Xpressbet Fountain of Youth, he has a chance. Superfecta $ 8.9 Pick Four $ 2.4 ‘Susan /Preakness Double $ 716k Value Plays: If ALWAYSMINING can get a clear lead and spread the fi eld out on the backstretch, he has a reasonable chance at an upset. Largest Preakness Crowds Attendance Year Winner 140,327 2017 Cloud Computing $100 Wagering Strategy: 135,256 2016 • $100 Exacta: WAR OF WILL over IMPROBABLE ($100) 134,487 2018 Justify 131,680 2015 American Pharoah 123,469 2014 California Chrome Preakness “Last Times” 121,309 2012 I’ll Have Another The Last... Winner to close from more than 10 lengths back: 121,264 2007 Curlin Exaggerator (2016) from 11 ½ lengths back after ¼ mile. Non-Kentucky Derby alum to win: ? Know This Cloud Computing (2017); prior Rachel Alexandra (2009) Father’s Day: 10 times the Preakness winner Kentucky Derby o‹ -the-board fi nisher to win: Oxbow (2013) has been sired by a Preakness winner, including Exaggerator (2016) by ’07 winner Curlin.

Dick’s Picks 1. WAR OF WILL 3 .ALWAYSMINING 2. IMPROBABLE 4. OWENDALE ’Mining for Gold Post Time: 4:14 PM ET By Steve Byk, At the Races (SiriusXM) 4YO+, Fillies & Mares @Steve_Byk 1 1/2 Miles Turf

Analysis: In the last 18 years, 14 Preakness winners arrived from Louisville with the only Stats & Trends exceptions Bernardini (2005), Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Cloud Computing (2017). Longshot Winners While the top Derby fi nishers will be absent from this Preakness, IMPROBABLE, WAR (15-1 or more) OF WILL, WIN WIN WIN and BODEXPRESS come from Louisville with excuses. In 2018, $2 Payo Horse Year $48.80 1975 Justify extended Bob Ba§ ert’s Preakness win total to 7. Whether or not a horseplayer $45.60 1925 should follow trends and go with a Louisville graduate or a new face is critical. $40.70 1926 $39.40 Bee Bee Bee 1972 $32.80 Oxbow 2013 Main Contenders: Likely favorite IMPROBABLE adds Mike Smith for this and should $32.00 1900 enjoy a trip behind the leaders. With modest speed signed on, Casse and Barber’s WAR $32.00 1907 OF WILL fi gures prominently throughout o§ his outstanding Derby e§ ort. The clear Preakness Rebounds controlling speed is a popular local Maryland-bred. ALWAYSMINING, who rides a 6-race (Derby 5th or Worse and Won Preakness) win skein into Old Hilltop, seeks to become the fi rst locally-produced Preakness winner Year Horse Finish 2013 Oxbow 6th since Deputed Testimony (1983) and the fi rst gelding to win the 2nd jewell since Funny 2010 Lookin at Lucky 6th Cide (2003). ANOTHERTWISTAFATE fell short on Derby points but has a free bingo spot 2001 Point Given 5th in Preakness. 1996 Louis Quatorze 16th 1994 Tabasco Cat 6th 1992 Pine Blu§ 5th Value Plays: Having sent Sweetnorthernsaint to a Preakness placement behind 1991 Hansel 10th Bernardini, WIN WIN WIN will be Maryland-based trainer Mike Trombetta’s 2nd 1986 11th 1985 Tank’s Prospect 7th Preakness starter and should make headway late. OWENDALE is a slow developer for 1984 Gate Dancer 5th Brad Cox, but he wasn’t disgraced in the Risen Star behind WAR OF WILL and Country 1974 Little Current 5th House. His Lexington upset was the kind of forward step quality 3-year-olds make in 1970 8th 1927 5th spring. LAUGHING FOX parlayed his Rebel 4th behind Beach, IMPROBABLE and 1926 Display 10th Country House into an Oklawn Invitational victory and should pick up pieces. 1900 Hindus 7th

$100 Wagering Strategy: ? Know This • $2 Trifecta Part-Wheel: ALWAYSMINING, IMPROBABLE, WAR OF WILL with Ba ert or Who?: The last 5 Preakness Stakes have ALWAYSMINING, IMPROBABLE, WAR OF WILL with ALWAYSMINING, IMPROBABLE, been won by either Bob Ba§ ert (2015 & 2018) or a trainer in a Preakness debut: Art Sherman (2014), WAR OF WILL, OWENDALE, WIN WIN WIN, LAUGHING FOX, BOURBON WAR, Keith Desormeaux (2016), Chad Brown (2017). ANOTHERTWISTAFATE, SIGNALMAN ($84) • $2 Exacta Part-Wheel: IMPROBABLE, WAR OF WILL, OWENDALE, WIN WIN WIN, One-Two Punchless: Horses running 1-2 at the half-mile call of the Preakness haven’t fi nished 1-2 LAUGHING FOX, BOURBON WAR, ANOTHERTWISTAFATE, SIGNALMAN with since Louis Quatorze and Skip Away (1996). ALWAYSMINING ($16) Fabulous Favorites: The Preakness favorite is 73-for-144 all-time, a winning rate of 51%, including 3 of the last 5 favorites. Steve’s Picks 1. ALWAYSMINING 3 .WAR OF WILL 2. IMPROBABLE 4. OWENDALE