2009 Preakness Stakes: Papa Clem, the Arkansas Derby winner and fourth place finisher in the Kentucky Derby is considered somewhat of a longshot for Saturday's 2009 Preakness Stakes at 12 to 1 odds according to oddsmakers at super-sportsbook Bodog. Still, this horse performed above expectations in the Kentucky Derby as a 20 to 1 longshot.
This three year old has good lineage, sired by Smart Strike, a horse that's been the leading sire in America for a couple of years thanks to the success of Curlin, another one of his sires. Smart Strike is the son of Mr. Prospector. Coming from the same sire line along with Curlin are Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones, all G2 Arkansas Derby , dirt track, winners.
Papa Clem scored a breakthrough win in the Arkansas Derby with a 101 Beyer Figure after finishing second in both the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds and Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park. He has run six career races and three this year.
In handicapping criteria, Papa Clem is not considered one of the favorites in the Preakness Stakes based on his lower Beyer Rating , did not run any stakes races as a two year old and is not a dual qualifier.
