Preakness 2021: Mike Beer's picks and analysis

Perhaps the most important thing to do when sitting down with the past performances for the 146th Preakness is to put the controversy and subsequent distractions surrounding the Kentucky Derby winner aside. Once that is done, it quickly becomes clear that MEDINA SPIRIT, whether he wins this race or not, holds a significant edge over his nine rivals in both form and speed.

Medina Spirit had all the best of it in Kentucky while able to gain early control, but he dug down deep through the final quarter-mile to turn away three talented challengers, none of whom will try him again in the Preakness. He may not be an easy horse to root for from some quarters, but he is very clearly the horse to beat.

RISK TAKING sat out the Derby after disappointing in his final prep, but he had looked pretty good winning a pair of nine-furlong races prior to that Wood Memorial. His two career wins have not come back particularly fast, but he was not yet 3 years old at the time of either of those races. He can sit back before making one run in this race at a price.

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MIDNIGHT BOURBON did not have the speed to get his preferred trip up close to the pace in Kentucky, and he never landed a blow in that race while finishing sixth. He had earned figures for his prior two starts that make him a more serious contender versus this field and he projects for a much better trip this time.

FRANCE GO DE INA broke slowly making his 3-year-old debut in the UAE Derby, after which he spent the majority of that race behind horses to no avail. He gets tested for class right away in the Preakness, but this race did not come up nearly as tough as it could have.

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