2017 Preakness Stakes Fast Facts Before You Bet: Always Dreaming Challengers

Sporting News on Thursday morning released a few fast facts for this Saturday’s Preakness Stakes betting including which “also rans” from the Kentucky Derby can beat winner Always Dreaming, the “fresh” new entrants that can challenge him and which post position has the edge.

Kentucky Derby Also Rans That Can Give Always Dreaming a Run for His Money

Vinny Iyer of Sporting News writes:

The odds say Classic Empire is second best, just like they did at the Derby. But Hence, out of No. 3, is the sneaky horse to watch because the track is more wide open. Trainer Steve Asmussen has a great history at Pimlico, too, having won the Preakness with filly Rachel Alexandra in '09 as well as Curlin. Hence got lost and finished 11th at the Derby, but with significantly longer odds, it is a more intriguing alternative to Classic Empire, which was fourth behind Battle of Midway.

Fresh Horse That Can Challenge Always Dreaming

Conquest Mo Money has been looking good on the course in pre-Preakness warmups and was the 2nd place finisher at the most recent and all-important Kentucky Derby prep race, the Arkansas Derby.

Best Post Position for the Preakness

No. 5 and No. 6 each have seen two horses win since '08, so that gives Classic Empire and Gunnevera, two other Derby horses, some inspiration, Iver writes.

It should be noted, however, that the most recent Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, started from the outside post to take the Preakness Stakes. 

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com