Analysis (by Paul Malecki)

Strengths: Behindatthebar is a fresh face entering on the improve for four-time defending Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, who saddled Rags to Riches to an historic 2007 Belmont Stakes win. A son of Grade 1-placed Rhiana, Behindatthebar won his last two races in a manner suggesting added distance will help him. Save for impressive Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, the Preakness field does not appear to be strong. So, Behindatthebar seems one of the few viable alternatives to the favorite.

Weaknesses: Behindatthebar finished fifth in his only previous attempt on dirt. His Grade 2 Lexington Stakes triumph came on Keeneland’s Polytrack, and it’s important to note how poorly horses with synthetic surface form fared in the Derby. The Lexington win also can be criticized because Behindatthebar was assisted by quick fractions set by Samba Rooster, who came back and finished third as the 9-5 favorite in last Saturday’s Lone Star Derby. As appears the case with all of the Preakness challengers, Behindatthebar faces an uphill battle against Big Brown.

Strategy: David Flores, 3 for 4 aboard Behindatthebar, is likely to drop him back eight to 10 lengths behind the lead and hope there is some pace fireworks up front. That strategy worked out well in the 10-horse Lexington.

Value: With Big Brown a prohibitive 2-5 favorite, Behindatthebar should wind up vying with Gayego as second choice, in the neighborhood of 8-1. That would be the highest odds of his career, but he’ll be running for second money if Big Brown shows up with something resembling his best game on Saturday.