Peck: How I'd play Preakness Day
Handicappers Matt Bernier and Kenny Peck are going head to head with $500 to wager on the Black-Eyed Susan Day card at Pimlico.
The Preakness Day card is loaded with wagering options, but for me, it seems they saved the best for last. So my plays focus on the latter part of the card:
Race 9
HARD NOT TO LIKE (#7) has a huge pace advantage in the Gallorette and should be able to capitalize. My original thought was to squash a couple of exactas, but I’m not entirely sure who the "second speeds" are, which further illustrates just how much of a pace advantage this mare has.
THE BET: $200 WIN #7 ($200)
Race 12
Thought LEGENDARY (#9) was hurt by the lack of pace in the Maker's 46 Mile last time, and the soft course is another convenient excuse. He has his work cut out for him here, but he may have an edge on the stone closers thanks to his tactical speed.
THE BET: $30 WIN/PLACE #9 ($60)
:: Bernier: How I'd play Preakness Day
Race 13
FIRING LINE (#8) seems to have the best chance of knocking off heavy favorite AMERICAN PHAROAH (#1), and that's the way I'll play it: using only those two. I'll press it with Firing Line on top, but I want to make a profit either way.
THE BET: $80 EXACTA 8-1; $40 EXACTA 1-8 ($120 TOTAL)
Race 14
Feel this race will set up for a closer, and I think SEGOVIA (#9) is best of the stretch-runners. Should get a clean trip from this inside post and he should be expected to be running late under McCarthy.
THE BET: $120 WIN #9 ($120)