Of all the horses slated to run in today's 136th Preakness Stakes, none have seen as little action as the Pomeroy sired Flashpoint. According to the latest Sports Betting Odds, the striking gray colt, who participated in his first race on January 15th, is considered a 20 to 1 longshot at Pimlico this evening. Flashpoint's odds for a top three finish are currently set at 5 to 1.
Perhaps the biggest concern about 
Flashpoint, aside for his lack of experience, centers on his stamina. The colt won going away at his maiden breaker and the Grade 3 Hutcheson Stakes, but those two races were at distances of six and seven furlongs respectively.
Flashpoint did not fare as well at the Grade 1, 1 1/8 miles Florida Derby, finishing fourth behind Dialed In, Shackleford and To Honor and Serve.
Flashpoint, who will start the Preakness in the four hole, could well be the pacesetter this evening, but trainer Wesley Ward feels the colt has some staying power as well.
"He seems ready to go," Ward said. "He couldn't be any better going into this race than he is today. He's doing fantastic. He got two-turn experience in the Florida Derby, so I don't think that will be too much a factor. I'm looking very forward to it."
Ward also indicated earlier this week that Flashpoint's racing style is a good fit for the Preakness.
"The best horse is going to win most of the time, but this race historically has had an advantage to horses that kind of get to the rail and race forwardly," Ward said.
That will be the goal of jockey Cornelio Velasquez, who will be riding in his fourth Preakness Stakes later today. Velasquez has served as Flashpoint's rider in all three of his previous outings.
Flashpoint 2011 Preakness Stakes Odds:
To Win +2000
To Finish in the Top Three +500
