Preakness Stakes Power Rankings Released
The much anticipated Preakness Stakes Power Rankings for 2009 have been released by BetUS.com. Okay, so BetUS.com failed to listed Mine That Bird among its top 5 2009 Kentucky Derby contenders. Then again, who did?
The BetUS.com Kentucky Derby Power Rankings for 2009 did, however, feature Pioneerof The Nile in second place (which is where he finished) after I Want Revenge (who was pulled from the Derby the morning of the race).
BetUS.com just can't get its mind off of Papa Clem though at +700 (7/1) odds. The horse finished a game fourth while beaten just a nose and a head by runner-up Pioneerof the Nile.
This is D.S. Williamson's top pick in this coming weekend's Preakness Stakes power rankings.
"The son of Smart Strike was right up on the suicidal pace in the Derby . Granted, he was on the inside part of the track, but then switched outside before the top of the stretch before trying his hand once again at the leaders. He should improve yet again in the Preakness and his sire has already produced a Preakness winner in Curlin. Papa Clem would be a huge overlay at 7 to 1 in the Preakness after his fantastic Derby run."
Then there's Pioneerof The Nile, listed with +450 odds to win the 2009 Preakness Stakes.
"Bettors still don't believe in this son of Empire Maker even though he was closer to the pace in the Kentucky Derby than Papa Clem. Not only that, but he ran pretty much on the pace, on the outside of other horses, for the entire race. That was the worst part of the track. Now, he gets to lay behind some speed and hopefully make a nice run in the Preakness. At 4.5 to 1 odds, he too is an overlay in the sportsbook but he could bounce while Papa Clem could improve."
Derby winner Mine That Bird had the third best ranking. His odds were listed at +400.
"Sure, things set up for him, but things set up for Rachel Alexandra as well in the Kentucky Oaks. Let's be honest, Mine That Bird took a huge leap forward as a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby. Anybody who believes this guy is closer to Giacomo than Street Sense, is crazy. He's a quality animal having been sired by Birdstone and his turn of foot in the Kentucky Derby was breathtaking. What else is in his favor at Pimlico? The fact that he might be facing a faster pace than he did in the Derby with some front runners that could really heat up the pace."
Musket Man and the favorite, Rachel Alexandra, round out the Preakness Stakes power rankings.
Musket Man would pay out $1000 for every $100 bet. Rachel Alexandra would pay a mere $125 for every $100 wagered.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
