The field and opening odds for the 134th running of The Preakness Stakes was announced.  Rachel Alexandra was cast as the early favorite with starting odds of 8-5.  Rachel Alexandra will be led by Calvin Borel (above), who opted to ride the filly rather than the horse he piloted to a Kentucky Derby victory, Mine That Bird, earlier this month.

Below is a complete listing for the Preakness race:

PP      Horse                          Jockey                    Odds

1. Big Drama                    (John Velazquez)                10-1
2. Mine That Bird             (Mike Smith)                       6-1
3. Musket Man                 (Eibar Coa)                          8-1
4. Luv Gov                    (Jamie Theriot)                  50-1
5. Friesan Fire                  (Gabriel Saez)                     6-1
6. Terrain                          (Jeremy Rose)                    30-1
7. Papa Clem                    (Rafael Bejarano)                12-1
8. General Quarters         (Julien Leparoux)               20-1
9. Pioneer Of The Nile    (Garrett Gomez)                  5-1
10. Flying Private               (Alan Garcia)                     50-1
11. Take The Points           (Edgar Prado)                    30-1
12. Tone It Down                (Kent Desormeaux)           50-1
13. Rachel Alexandra         (Calvin Borel)                      8-5

Lots of talent in this race!  I believe Rachel Alexandra, the favorite will finish in the top 3, so make the filly a trifecta staple.  I like the 2, Mine That Bird, and the 9, Pioneer of The Nile in either order to win.  Its a solid box trifecta bet – 2, 9, 13.

My pick to win the race is the 9 – Pioneer of The Nile. 

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