Preakness Picks: Many horse racing experts love Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire and expect the three year old Larry Jones trained colt to compete well if not win the 2009 Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Oddsmakers at online horse book Bodog list the horse as one of the top favorites at 6-to-1 odds. Rachel Alexandra is listed as favorite at 8-to-5 odds.
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Friesian Fire is owned by Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farm. His accomplishments include winning the Risen Star Stakes and as run away winner of the Louisana Derby. On a rain drenched track he stomped the competition by seven-lengths.
There was some doubt if Friesan Fire would be entered in today's Preakness Stakes following the colts 18th place finish of a 19 horse field in the Kentucky Derby. An apparant cause of the poor showing was a sore ankle. Following Tuesday's workout at Pimlico, Jones reported the colt is fit and ready for the Preakness Stakes.
Jockey Gabriel Saez will Jockey Friesan Fire in today's race. Saez last jockeyed Friesan Fire in the Kentucky Derby.
It will be interesting to see how Friesan Fire performs at Pimlico. The colt was disappointing in the Kentucky Derby at running after a seven week layoff.
