Preakness handicapping chat with The Wizard
Michael Kipness, AKA The Wizard, joined DRF.com users for a 2012 Preakness Stakes preview chat on Wednesday night. Go here for his pick and wagering strategies for this year's Preakness.
On Kentucky Derby runner-up Bodemeister:
Hard to say if he will bounce or not. He has shown such brilliance and you must trust trainer Bob Baffert that he knows the horse. He seems to have recovered very well from the Derby. Baffert giving the green light confirms this. More than likely Bodemeister will get the lead from the start especially if he draws a good post. If Bode does get the lead I think Smith can set a more reasonable pace than what was set in the Derby. We questioned his seasoning going into the Derby and he proved how much quality he has with a scintillating performance.
On Bodemeister jockey Mike Smith:
Mike Smith gave him a GREAT ride! He took it to them early and surprised the jock on Trinniberg and everyone watching. If you are at your best on the lead and you break sharp, you go. His second was as good a race I have seen in the Derby.
On Went the Day Well:
A lively pace would help Went the Day Well but if he can utilize the tactical speed he has, an honest pace would be fine. Went The Day Well can make another positive move forward. Great connections you can trust. His fourth-place Derby race was no fluke. He is improving.
On Teeth of the Dog:
Teeth of the Dog is an "intriguing" price play. Improving with every start. He has really blossomed since stretched out to two turns at 1 1/8 miles.
On "New Shooters" for the Preakness:
The horses that did not run in the Derby but are in the Preakness are not very good, but could run in the Tri or Super. Tiger Walk has an outside shot landing in the super. Needs to run career best and get a good post. Cozzetti is another long shot that can land in the super. I respect the connections big time.
On Creative Cause:
It's not a plus for a horses to travel as much as Creative Cause has in a two-week period after a hard race. I think he is vulnerable. Don't like him on top, though in the Derby, he had a very wide and tough trip and still ran very well.
For the Preakness pace scenario, wagering strategies and profiles on all 11 horses, check out the Wizard's Preakness Stakes Package available Wednesday night. His full Preakness race card selections -- including four Crystal Ball Best Bets -- will be ready Friday.