Handicapper"s Corner: 2016 Preakness Stakes

ThoroFan Handicappers Ponder 2016 Preakness Stakes

The collective minds of the ThoroFan Handicappers are back to take a shot at the 2016 Preakness Stakes.  ThoroFan Chairman Michael Amo and South Florida Thorofan handicapper John Caro were the only ones to include both Nyquist and Exaggerator in their Kentucky Derby selections, although not in the correct order. 

Below, the ThoroFan handicappers offer their selections for first through third place, plus their best longshot bomb. When it comes to which horse will wear the Black Eyed Susan’s, the handicappers are divided between Nyquist and Exaggerator.  Three handicappers like the up and coming Stradivari to finish third.  ThoroFan Handicappers added their individual thoughts about the Preaknes below the chart.  Good Luck to everyone and Get Your Preak On!

HANDICAPPER	FIRST	SECOND	THIRD	LONGSHOT
Michael Amo	Exaggerator	Nyquist	Lani	Awesome Speed
Paul Mazur	Nyquist	Fellowship	Exaggerator	Laoban
Reinier Macatangay	Nyquist	Exaggerator	Stradivari	Fellowship
Jeff Cobb	Exaggerator	Nyquist	Stradivari	Abiding Star
John Caro	Nyquist	Collected	Exaggerator	Uncle Lino
Laurie Ross	Nyquist	Exaggerator	Stradivari	Cherry Wine
Dylan Jarmulowicz	Exaggerator	Collected	Nyquist	Abiding Star

ThoroFan Handicappers add their individual thoughts:

Lady and the Track’s Reinier Macatangay:

Even though I gave picks here, the Preakness is not necessarily the best betting race. If the exacta ended up as Nyquist over Exaggerator, it will pay almost nothing because it is a combination that even beginners can easily come up with.

If the race must be played, then back-wheeling a late closer for third or fourth would be more fun in terms of value.

S. Florida Chapter Member Jeffrey Cobb:

Win: Exaggerator-Paired tops with Derby effort. Good Pattern. Running best at the end. Lots of speed to set the table. 80% chance of rain for Baltimore on Saturday. 

Place: Nyquist-Coming back after running new top in Derby. Classic bounce candidate. Still better than these even if he has an off day

Show: Stradivari-Lightly raced and fresh. Has moved forward every race.

Longshot: Abiding Star- 2 wins in 3 starts on off tracks.

All subject to change if it doesn't rain.

S. Florida Chapter Member John Caro:

Nyquist - No doubt he is worthy of his top rank odds. Great team. Will the pace be too hot?

Collected - like his style, like the training regimen, will be part of the pace, Bafffert goes for seven, top jockey, patience will be key. Pedigree says he'll take to the mud.

Stradivari - If he's not intimidated be all the classy runners he should be on the pace. Has worked in company with Stanford to prep and learn not to need the lead. Johnny V aboard. Should handle a wet track. Not happy with the price

Exaggerator - Could close the deal here. Great Mud speed. Desormeaux cut his teeth here and has been 1st or 2nd in the Preakness 5 times. Like his chances to win

Hate to get locked into a single longshot. Not the way I play bets. I'm guessing Uncle Lino. Best time of the rest at a mile and a sixteenth and if he sets up with Laoban in the front will be able to finish.......... then Abiding Star. Has the mud experience and Speed, with five consecutive wins........ then Lani. Derby trouble but good experience, great training regimen ........