Preakness Stakes Preview: Sailor has sporting chance

1 Quip (TF Rating 114)

Comes into this relatively fresh having not competed in the Kentucky Derby. His most recent outing was a second-place finish behind Magnum Moon in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park in April. Had previously won the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby in February and is respected on that form.

2 Lone Sailor (114)

Finished second to Noble Indy in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in March before going on to finish eighth behind Justify in the Kentucky Derby last time. He had a troubled trip at Churchill Downs and may well have finished a bit closer to the principals given more luck in running. Has form on sloppy ground (rain is forecast) and looks a fair each-way shout.

3 Sporting Chance (115§)

Has yet to win beyond 7f, though did finish a fair third to Good Magic in the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes over 9f in April. Was well below form last time and has a wayward streak which could well be holding him back (has jinked right several times in the past). Risky proposition.

4 Diamond King (104)

Has a record of 4 wins from 6 starts to his name but his best effort still puts him some way shy of the main protagonists at this level. The booking of top jockey Javier Castellano is a plus, however, and he may still have a little more to offer, though it would be a major surprise were he good enough here.

5 Good Magic (123)

Is tough and consistent, and was the only horse to ty to serve it up to Justify at Churchill Downs, albeit still coming up short. Never out of the money in all 6 career starts, he should emerge as the main rival to Bob Baffert’s charge once again, though it’s hard to see how he can turn the tables on that one.

6 Tenfold (109)

Fifth to Magnum Moon in the Arkansas Derby last time, that was just his third career start, and he comes here a fresh horse having not competed in the Kentucky Derby. Still open to a bit of progression, it would be no surprise were he to move forward enough to claim a bit of place money.

7 Justify (127p)

Unbeaten in 4 starts, Bob Baffert’s son of Scat Daddy looks a real superstar in the making, always up with the strong pace in the Kentucky Derby before running out a ready winner. It’s hard to pick holes in his form, though as with every Kentucky Derby winner that contests this race, he is asked to run again off just a short break and has to prove he can hold his form. Will be a very short price but hard to oppose.

8 Bravazo (115)

Recorded a career best when sixth to Justify in the Kentucky Derby, a bump at the start not helping matters either. A repeat of that effort will see him go very close to claiming a place here, though would need a big step forward to reverse form with the likes of Justify and Good Magic.

Conclusion

As at Churchill Downs a fortnight ago, this ought to lie between Justify and Good Magic once again, the rest having plenty to find on Timeform ratings. Justify is difficult to oppose and really should win if none the worse for his recent exertions. For those who want a betting interest in the race, a sporting each-way selection is LONE SAILOR, who is better than he was able to show in the Kentucky Derby and will have no problem should the track turn sloppy once again.