The 2011 Preakness Stakes will get underway tomorrow at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Among the contenders is the Dale Romans trained Shackleford, who found his way to a fourth place finish at Churchill Downs two weeks ago. The latest Sports Betting Odds have the Forestry sired chestnut colt listed as +1300 moneyline odds to win the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes.
Shackleford made a hard charge at the 
Kentucky Derby, but his well renowned speed eventually faded down the backstretch as he did not quite have enough stamina to hold his first place position in the 1 1/4 miles race. Shackleford still turned in an impressive fourth place result, though, finishing behind Animal Kingdom, Nehro, and Mucho Macho Man.
Prior to his Derby run, Shackleford nearly pulled off the win at the Grade 1 Florida Derby (1 1/8 miles) on April 3rd, but he faded in that run as well, eventually placing second to Nick Zito's Dialed In.
Shackleford could well be the pace setter tomorrow evening, given his tactical speed and penchant for racing near the front, but Romans wants to keep a little in the tank this time around in hopes that his horse can be there at the end.
Owner Michael Lauffer thought the colt's post five draw might afford it to do just that.
"We've been on the outside two of the last three races, so it will be nice to be near the inside," Lauffer said. "We've got speed, so we should be able to save a little ground into the first turn, which is what we want to do. He should be in the top three or four horses going into the first turn."
Riding Shackleford tomorrow will be jockey Jesus Castanon. Castanon, who will be participating in his first Preakness Stakes, has been aboard the colt for four of its six career races, including the Florida and Kentucky Derbies.
Shackleford 2011 Preakness Stakes Odds:
To Win +1300
To Finish in the Top Three +500
