Dummy’s guide to winning on Preakness day

We answered the age old question two weeks ago. We all know we can pick our clothes and our nose, and this year we even proved we could pick the winner of the Kentucky Derby. But now, we have to answer another…can we pick the Preakness winner? At the 139th running of the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the bigger question is probably can we really make some cheddar at the Preakness? California Chrome is the pick here as he is the class of the field, but it is certainly not a forgone conclusion. There are some other talented three-year olds in the field, but if Chrome is really Chrome, he will shine. At 3-5 on the morning line, look for him to get bet down even more. That means a win bet on the Art Sherman trained colt will not generate much cheese, so let’s think exotics. History tells us one of the new shooters, especially one familiar with Pimlico, has a great chance to finish in the money. With that in mind, couple Chrome with Kid Cruz (20-1) in an exacta. The “Kid” is a closer and a hot early pace is likely with speedsters Bayern and Social Inclusion. That could set things up nicely for a stalking Chrome and the closing Kid. Throw in Ride On Curlin (10-1) for your trifecta and add Bayern (10-1) for the superfecta. So now you have a road map to somewhere. A wise old horseplayer once told me, “the only sure way to not lose money at the track is…don’t bet!” But where is the fun in that?!?