Orb Draws Rail For Preakness

Kentucky Derby winner and Triple Crown threat Orb drew post-position #1 and the rail for the upcoming Preakness in Maryland.  What does this mean?  Let's take a look at why it matters, why it doesn't matter and a final thought.  

Why it matters:  Orb and jockey Joel Rosario have to get to the front in a hurry.  There is no other option.  If Orb doesn't get out in front early, the horse could stay pinned against the rail.  The track is also only a mile and three-sixteenths, which is short by racing standards, so there isn't a lot of time to get out front and dominate.  A slow start for Orb means no Preakness win and obviously no Triple Crown.

Why it doesn't matter:  A few reasons.  One, Orb is a strong horse with both stamina and speed and has the ability to get out front because of that combination.  Two, there are only nine horses in the Preakness, not 19, like the Kentucky Derby, so Orb doesn't have to get through twice the amount of animals.  Three, Orb has won five straight races, all different.  This horse knows how to win in different ways and so does its jockey.

Final thought:  Orb's Triple Crown chances obviously have taken a hit by drawing the rail.  But the Derby winner is still a 1:1 favorite at the Preakness and on paper is the best animal in the nine-horse draw by far.  A quick run to the front for Orb, and this thing is over.  If there is one horse who has the ability to do exactly that the most, it is Orb.  Tough draw, yes, but Orb is still the favorite at the Preakness.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.