Preakness Stakes: Animal Kingdom Goes For Glory

After shocking the world with its victory in the Kentucky Derby, Animal Kingdom is the hot favorite for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Al Dannity breaks down the big race and looks at what else can be expected at Pimlico this weekend.

Can Animal Kingdom reign at Pimlico?
That’s the big question heading into Saturday’s race and the short answer is yes. When outsiders win the Kentucky Derby, Horse Racing betting fans aren’t always sure what to make of them at the Preakness Stakes. Animal Kingdom is no Super Saver however so don’t expect this horse to fall away early. Unlike previous upset winners of the Kentucky Derby, Animal Kingdom did not benefit from rash mistakes by the front-runners. In a race where everyone played it smart, Animal Kingdom came out on top. If anything the pace of the race was wholly unsuited to the colt, which rallied from twelfth at the half-mile to win. That isn’t fluky, that’s talent.

Some new faces
After a third place finish at Churchill Downs, Mucho Macho Man will look to build on its Kentucky Derby performance and get the better of Animal Kingdom. An emotional favorite, Mucho Macho Man looked strong at the finish and can’t be ruled out this weekend.

Despite the hearts of many bettors being behind Mucho Macho Man, smarter minds will look at some of the contenders that didn’t run at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Derby was particularly slow and a couple of the runners this weekend have the pace to challenge the best from that field. Dance City at +1200 with Sports Interaction stands out as a particularly dangerous challenger to Animal Kingdom. Sway Away, at +1500, is also worth a look. Both performed well at the Arkansas Derby and could shine in Pimlico.

All hail Kegasus
This year the Preakness Stakes unleashes a new centaur upon the world, named Kegasus. To quote the promo, he is “half-man, half-thoroughbred, all-party manimal.” Born out of the more relaxed atmosphere found at Pimlico, Kegasus is a nod to the revelry that goes down every year at the second leg of the Triple Crown. The centaur will be the mascot of the Infieldfest Party this weekend. According to, um, legend Kegasus’ birth caused the gods to weep tears of joy which created a magical garden of beer. Well, if nothing else, the promotional staff for the Preakness Stakes are imaginative. All I can say is, who is going to argue with a centaur? All hail Kegasus!