Closers Preakness Preview and Bankroll Play

With all of the news coming out of the 145th Kentucky Derby, it seems that the Preakness has taken a back seat to lawsuits and appeals. Whatever your stance on what happened two weeks ago, we can all agree that this could be the best Preakness in some time to find VALUE! Let's give it a shot.

(#1) War Of Will (4-1)
Trainer: Mark Casse   Jockey:Tyler Gaffalione
War Of Will had a real chance just two weeks ago. Gaffalione looked to have horse as he moved out and was met with force by Maximum Security, but this looks like a classic over bet situation for me. Many bettors will overreacted after the Derby and you will not get the 4-1 on the morning line. Use in exotics.

(#2) Bourbon War (12-1) 
Trainer: Mark Henning    Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Bourbon War is coming off a small layoff and adding blinkers since his effort in the Florida Derby on March 30th. He was caught wide throughout that race but was up against it with the slow fractions set up front. This horse has a big chance here with all the speed that is expected and if he shows the late kick we saw in the Fountain of Youth, could be a major player at a nice price. Must Use.

(#3) Warrior's Charge (12-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox     Jockey: Javier Castellano
Warrior's Charge has been impressive over his last couple starts at Oaklawn Park, but the question for him will be if speed will hold up or not. Not for my money.

(#4) Improbable (5- 2) ML Favorite
Trainer: Bob Baffert     Jockey: Mike Smith
The morning line favorite picks up Mike Smith for the Preakness. Had a tough trip in the Derby and finally gets back to a fast track after the last couple on a sloppy track. Should be able to sit a nice position off the front runners and will be a factor down the stretch. Must Use.

(#5) Owendale (10-1) 
Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Florent Geroux
He was an impressive winner of the Grade 3 Lexington last out at Keeneland and the work tab has been on the money. The question for me is the class up against this field. Will be a factor late and is a possible use for a piece of the exotics.

(#6) Market King (30-1)
TrainerL D Wayne Lukas Jockey: Jon Court
Will be part of the early pace but seems well over-matched in this field.

(#7) Alwaysmining (8-1) 
Trainer: Kelly Rubley      Jockey: Daniel Centeno
He has won six in a row including the local prep for the Preakness at Pimlico. Will be on the lead early but class will be the question here if he can hold on late. Use in exotics.

(#8) Signalman (30-1) 
Trainer: Ken McPeek     Jockey: Brian Hernandez
Works have looked good and seems to be a longshot that many like. If the pace sets up, he could have a chance late but not for my money.

(#9) Bodexpress (20-1) 
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado      Jockey: John Velazquez
Not much of a chance in the Derby but had a nice second in the Florida Derby two back. Might have a chance at a big number.

(#10) Everfast (50-1)
Trainer: Dale Romans     Jockey: Joel Rosario
Would be a surprise, not much of a chance.

(#11) Laughing Fox (20-1) 
Trainer: Steve Asmussen      Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Didn't do much running in the two Derby preps at Oaklawn but came back with a hard charging victory. Will the extra distance help? I guess we will see but it's not going to be with my money.

(#12) Anothertwistafate (6-1) 
Trainer: Blaine Wright Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Just missed out on enough points to make the Derby field and some argue he would have been a contender if he drew in. Should have the post position to sit right off the pace and have a chance in the stretch. Must Use.

(#13) Win Win Win 
Trainer: Mike Trombetta Jockey: Julian Pimentel
Didn't have much of a chance in the Derby. Up against it with the track condition and how speed favoring it played. Post draw isn't great but the addition of blinkers could put him closer to the pace. If he can avoid being 4 wide the entire trip, could be a nice score at a big number. Use in exotics.

Closers Bankroll Play: ($100) 
$1 exacta box 2,4,7,12,13 ($20)
$2 exacta 2/1,4,7,12,13 ($10)
$10 Win/Place/Show 2 ($30)
.50 Trifecta 2,4,12,13/1,2,4,7,12,13/1,2,4,7,12,13 ($40)

Best of luck this weekend with all of your plays!!