2009 Preakness Stakes Predictions: In breaking down the field I see three groups. First the favorite in its own grouping, filly Rachel Alexandra. In Wednesday's draw, Rachel Alexandra drew gate 13 on the outside. This draw could not have been better for the filly whom oddsmakers at online sportsbook Bodog promptly made a 7-to-4 favorite.
If you are a little confused as to why Rachel Alexandra was not nominated for the Triple Crown, you are not alone. The best answer I can give you is it was her previous owners decision to hold her out and only run her against other filly's, something she has done very well going undefeated in four tries in 2009. After her most dominating victory, Rachel Alexandra was sold to Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stables and Harold T. McCormick. Shortly after the sale was completed, Jackson announced his intention to race the filly in the Preakness Stakes.
The second group is led by top challenger Pioneerof The Nile at 4-to-1 odds, Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird at 11-to-2 odds, Friesen Fire at 8-to-1 odds and at 10-to-1 are Big Drama, Musket Man and Papa Clem.
Making up my third group are the long-shots led by General Quarters at 20-to-1 odds. The others are Luv Gov, Take The Points, and Terrain, all at 35-to-1, Tone It down at 40-to-1 and Flying Private at 45-to-1.
Over the past week there has been mountains of hype surrounding Rachel Alexandra, this supposed unbeatable filly. While she might blow away the field as she did in the Kentucky Oaks (by 20 1/2 lengths), keep in mind she has been running exclusively against female competition. The field she will race against in the Preakness will be against stronger male colts.
Making my 2009 Preakness Stakes predictions I expect a strong race from Kentucky Derby runner up Pioneerof The Nile. The Kentucky Derby was this colts dirt debut and he was the strongest horse until Mine That Bird exploded on the inside to win by over 6-lengths. Pioneerof The Nile will be more accustomed to the dirt and will be tough to beat on Saturday.
