Preakness Comes Down to Derby Top Three

American Pharoah, Firing Line, and Dortmund – the first, second, and third place finishers respectively in the Kentucky Derby – comprise a formidable trio again in the second jewel of the Triple Crown with few handicappers willing to give a legitimate chance to the other five runners. American Pharoah (4/5) and Dortmund (7/2), both trained by Bob Baffert will break from inside posts with the former drawing the rail and the latter the two-hole.

Baffert holds key again 

Both Baffert horses have enjoyed sensational careers to this point suffering just two losses between them. American Pharoah, lost only his career debut and Dortmund’s lone setback came while finishing third in the Kentucky Derby. The two colts have combined to win four grade 1 races including the Arkansas Derby and Santa Anita Derby. In the Kentucky Derby, Dortmund set a moderate pace before fading in the stretch as his stablemate earned a length victory over Firing Line.

Firing Line gunning for glory 

Firing Line (4/1) is ideally drawn outside of his two primary rivals, breaking from post 8 under Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens. The talented colt proved his class in the Kentucky Derby by engaging American Pharoah in the stretch before yielding only in the final 100 yards of the race after failing to change leads effectively. Trained by Simon Callaghan, Firing Line appears primed and capable of turning the tables in the Preakness.