Despite being a home grown annual event, there are many Baltimoreans, just like myself, that read up on horse racing for one week a year. You’ve got to love the Preakness, it’s the most exciting two minutes in sports. We have a local expert on the Preakness that has provided his help for those lacking horse racing knowledge, to better prepare you for tomorrow’s big race.

Before we dig into the horses themselves, let’s talk about the evolution of the Preakness rules. Prior to last year, infield ticket purchasers were allowed to bring their own adult beverages into Pimlico. We have all heard the stories of the adventures in the infield, but this year there is a new promotion. We talked to Jeff, our Preakness insider about the new alcohol rules.

“We will have to wait to see if the new promotion of allowing patrons to purchase wristbands and a refillable mug for $20 dollars will bring the attendance back up. In 2009 the track banned patrons from bring their own beer into the infield and the attendance was the lowest in about 30 years and down about 30% from 2008. I’m doubtful the new promotion will bring back the crowds to the infield because, with only two beer tents setup in the vast infield, patrons will have to continually stand in lines to get refills.”

Will the lines shy people away from alcohol? Maybe that’s a good thing.

Now let’s talk horses. A number of handicappers say to put your money on the jockey, not the horse. If that’s the case you’ve got to put your money on Calvin Borel and Super Saver. The Derby winner is not only the favorite, but is expected to excel from the 8 post with 5-2 odds. Super Saver’s quick burst out of the gate has him as a favorite for tomorrow’s race, after his success in the slop at Church Hill downs. Though the dirt is different at Pimlico, many experts are taking the Colt for his success around the rail.

A number of handicappers have their money on Lookin at Lucky, who’s stamina has placed him at 3-1 odds in the 7 post. Lookin at Lucky was stuck on the rail in the Derby, but rallied back to sixth at the end of the race. It’s that stamina that handicappers like when looking at this 2 year old champion.

Here’s what our insider, Jeff, had to say about the race. “Super Saver, the Kentucky Derby winner and likely favorite for the 135th Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, which will be run at Pimlico Race Course on the 15th of May, drew post eight in a field of twelve. Super Saver will face seven fresh horses in the Preakness that did not run in the Kentucky Derby. The biggest difference between the Derby and the Preakness this year is the early pace scenario. In the Derby, Conveyance and Sidney’s Candy set fast fractions for a quarter and half-mile. Neither of those horses are in the Preakness, which should leave the Preakness somewhat void of early pace. The Pimlico linemaker has installed Super Saver as the 5-2 favored, with Lookin At Lucky at 3-1, and Paddy O’Prado at 9-2. The Preakness Stakes has a purse of $1 million dollars, with $600,000 going to the winner.”

Below are the Morning lines on the Preakness Horses from their post positions:

1. Aikenite 20-1
2. Schoolyard Dreams 15-1
3. Pleasant Prince 20-1
4. Northern Giant 30-1
5. Yawanna Twist 30-1
6. Jackson Bend 12-1
7. Lookin At Lucky 3-1
8. Super Saver 5-2
9. Caracortado 10-1
10. Paddy O’Prado 9-2
11. First Dude 20-1
12. Dublin 10-1

Who’s your money on?