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One of the favorites to win the 2009 Kentucky Derby was Pioneerof The Nile, and while still in single digits heading into the Preakness Stakes, this entry has been overshadowed by the likes of Derby winner Mine That Bird and Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra.
"Don't underestimate Pioneerof The Nile though," advises Gambling911.com reporter, Don Shapiro.
Let's recap what made this horse special heading into the Kentucky Derby. From Newsday:
"He gives new Hall of Famer Bob Baffert a chance to win his fourth Derby and his first since 2002. Clearly the best 3-year-old on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface, but can he excel on real dirt in the toughest race of his life? Looking good and training well at Churchill, and Baffert knows how to get them to peak for the big day. Garrett Gomez, an outstanding money rider, chose him over Dunkirk. The main worry is that the Pioneer got rank and pulled hard on the backstretch in his last two races. If he relaxes, he could win; if he doesn't, he'll beat himself."
Did we mention he was the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby?
"He also has the same odds to win the Preakness Stakes as he did to win the Derby," observed Shapiro.
After Pioneerof the Nile turned in a sparkling workout at Churchill Downs Tuesday morning, trainer Bob Baffert quipped, "He's ready for the Black-Eyed Susan," according to the Louisville Courier.
That's a light-hearted reference to the behind-the-scenes drama dogging prohibitive favorite filly Rachel Alexandra.
He went his last eighth-mile in 112/5 seconds and the last quarter-mile in 231/5 under former jockey Joe Steiner.
Odds on Pioneerof The Nile to win the 2009 Preakness Stakes were available at Sports Interaction.
Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
