Preakness Stakes 2009: Pioneerof The Nile Preview & Predictions
Written May 14, 2009 by Steve Janus
Pioneerof the Nile placed 2nd in the 2009 Kentucky Derby behind Mine That Bird, but this Saturday he will look to Pimlico Race Course for a rematch in the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes. Pioneerof The Nile drew the 2nd post position for the Preakness, where he was out of the 16th spot in the Derby. This is a very polarizing horse. Many think he should be the favorite, while others have expressed their concerns that the wet track in the Kentucky Derby worked to his advantage, and that he will not be able to keep up if the track at Pimlico is much drier. Pure speed-figure devotees certainly won’t be a fan of him, as his Beyer numbers aren’t spectacular, but he has been a winner throughout his career.
Pedigree: Sired by Empire Maker, who finished second behind FunnySide in the 2003 Kentucky Derby, and eventually won the Belmont Stakes. Empire Maker was sired by 1990 Kentucky Derby winner, Unbridled, whose son, Grindstone, took home the Kentucky Derby in 1996. Pioneerof the Nile’s Dam, Star of Goshen, who won the La Troienne Stakes (7 furlongs) at Churchill Downs with a 103 Beyer Speed Figure.
Strengths: Long, smooth stride. Extremely well-seasoned early in his career, overcoming a bad post draw and poor start to to win on the grass at Saratoga. Won four races in a row before finishing 2nd in the Kentucky Derby. The 2nd place finish in the Derby is significant because it was his first race on dirt.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t seem to have a definable style. Only his second run on dirt, though the Derby showing was promising. Long stride makes it tougher to get out of the gates quickly and he has not yet shown an explosive kick to finish.
Outlook: A good run in the Kentucky Derby on his first ever run on dirt was overshadowed (and rightfully so) by Mine That Bird’s incredible victory, however, the Derby gave Pioneerof The Nile a quality prep to the Preakness, where he is expected to run very well as a 5-1 shot to win on Saturday.
Jockey: Garrett Gomez
Owner: Zayat Stable
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Breeder: Zayat Stable
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One Response to “Preakness Stakes 2009: Pioneerof The Nile Preview & Predictions”
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After the upset of Mine That Bird, I don’t think I’ll ever look at ‘the odds’ the same way.
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