Preakness 149: Dan the Man, or just your Imagination?

The Bissett Perspective: Preakness lineup, and Predictions

The field is set to run the second leg of the lustrous Triple Crown chase at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, MD. If you had read my Kentucky Derby predictions you would see that Mystik Dan was my sleeper selection in that race. He was able to hold off the hard charging dual of Forever Young, and derby favorite Sierra Leone in a photo finish. Mystik Dan will be joined by two other derby contenders in 4th place finisher Chasing Freedom and 17th place finisher Just Steel. The remainder of the fiel not only have had significantly longer layovers in between todays race and their last. They also have their sights on extending the winning streak of non-derby running horses in the Preakness Stakes. This is a task that has been achieved by Rombaur (2021), Early Voting (2022), and National Treasure (2023). Muth, looked to be the horse that could potentially run away from this field and continue that streak. However, now that they have been scratched to run, which Kentucky Derby forgoer will be able to spoil Mystik Dans attempt at a Triple Crown title this year?

1.) Mugatu: 13 career races and only one Grade 1 stakes race on the books. Overran, overmatched and looking to add another participation ribbon to their stable.

2.) Uncle Heavy: Intriguing horse with 5 starts on their record. Either finishing 1st (3 times) or 5th the other two. Not as overmatched as the No. 1 horse; a potential spoiler to superfectas as a 4th place finisher.

3.) Catching Freedom: Has the pedigree to be in contention. However, closing abilities would be better suited to skip the Preakness and just run the mile and half leg next go round in Belmont.

4.) Muth: (Scratched): Too bad this horse is not able to run today. Clearly the horse of the field and was in store for a dominating performance.

5.) Mystik Dan: Got an absolute perfectly clear run in the Derby. Ran the rail, never had any traffic in front of them and barely held on at the finish. Considering they had the lead in the derby at the 1 3/16th pole they have to be consider top 3 in this race as well. Ironically, in a field half the size of the derby, they may have to fight off more traffic this time around though.

6.) Seize the Grey: Ran an gem of a race in the Pat Day Mile last time out. Looked to have a lot in the tank and will be charging hard to the line in the extra 3/16th in todays race. A lock to be in the top 3.

7.) Just Steel: Had a great start in the derby but fell off hard midway through the race. Definitely the Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde horse of this field. Wildly inconsistent, but has the speed numbers to get out in front and stay there.

8.) Tuscan Gold: In terms of running experience, this horse is just a boy amongst men. However, they have been prepped to seize the moment and will take full aim at being on top of the board at the conclusion of todays race.

9.) Imagination: Trainer Bob Baffert was primed to have a horse in victory circle until Muth was scratched from the race. Now it will be up to Imagination to carry the Baffert namesake to victory. Imagination is a strong willed horse that doesn’t back down from a challenge. The only concern is this race being the longest one of their career. Will they expunge too much energy keeping up with the leaders/holding their own lead from start to finish?

Todays Picks: (Again my picks, only responsible for my own loses, not yours!) However, willing to share the wealth if you listen and we both cash in!

Winner: Seize the Gray (6)

Place: Mystik Dan (5)

Show: Imagination (9)