Rachel Alexandra Preakness Stakes Odds
Written May 13, 2009 by Jack Jones
The favorite for the 2009 Preakness Stakes is Rachel Alexandra, who is currently at -150 at BetUS Racebook, where you can get a $500 match bonus with a $500 deposit. The favorite got a boost this week when Hull was withdrawn from the race. Hull would have been the only true front runner in the event so horses like Rachel Alexandra along with Big Drama and Tone It Down would have gone after the lead early, setting things up for stalkers to make their move at the end. Pioneerof the Nile and Papa Clem did it at the Kentucky Derby and would have been looking to make their moves here at the end here at the Preakness as well.
Without Hull running that means that pace of the Preakness won’t be as fast, which is an advantage for Rachel Alexandra. Even with that going her way though, I still think that this horse is a little over-valued and one to stay away from this Saturday. Let’s take a look at why:
Win at the Kentucky Oaks – Sure the win at the Oaks was impressive as she ran faster than Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird did in his win, but Rachel Alexandra was going against weaker horses whereas Mine That Bird was trying to beat the best three year olds in the world.
History is Against Her – The last time a filly won the Preakness was all the way back in 1924. Does that make it impossible? Of course not but a three year old filly just doesn’t have the strength or conditioning to beat the boys. Sure it happened at the Belmont Stakes in 2007 with Rags to Riches, but that was the third leg of the Triple Crown with Curlin being softened up here at the Preakness and then trying to run a different kind of race than was his style at the Belmont.
Pace of the Preakness – Even without Hull you can expect a decent pace to be set by Big Drama. If Rachel is sitting back a length off of Big Drama and tries to take the lead down the stretch she will be battling it out with Pioneerof the Nile, Papa Clem, Friesan Fire, and Musket Man. None of those four horses are slouches.
The Field – This is as wide open of a field as I’ve seen at the Preakness in several years. Last year Big Brown was the overwhelming favorite and lived up to the billing. Two years ago it was a three horse race between Street Sense, Curlin and Hard Spun. Three years ago Barbaro was the clear favorite with Bernardini given the only chance to beat him and unfortunately he did when Barbaro got hurt out of the gates. This year there are quite a few good thoroughbreds who have a chance to win. Mine That Bird proved his worth by winning the Derby. Pioneerof The Nile had won four graded races in a row before his second place finish. Friesen Fire had a seven week layoff before the Derby, but should be entering top form for this week’s race. Big Drama had won five straight races before being disqualified in his last race and both Musket Man and Papa Clem are worthy contenders as well.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2009 Preakness Stakes Picks
- Odds to Win 2009 Preakness Stakes
- 2009 Preakness Stakes Results
- Preakness Stakes Power Rankings
- Preakness Stakes Odds 2009: Horses to Bet Now or Later
One Response to “Rachel Alexandra Preakness Stakes Odds”
Got something to say?
Well, now that she WON, coming out of post position 13 and being the ONLY HORSE EVER to win from that position, I dare say you should be eating some crow about now. She won on HER strengths and as for the “boys”, what excuse have you made up for their being trounced by a “girl”??? I watched her run and she was AMAZING, to say the least. You hammered on her before she ran, and cut her win at the Oaks to pieces, when she was up against good horses there as well. Stop trying to invent slander because you only lower yourself in the eyes of those who read your comments. Look at how these “wonderful” trainers were trying to keep her out….HOW CHILDISH!! Sure glad she put them ALL in their places, and MORE POWER TO HER! Funny how your “Good ole boy” click just can’t stand the thought or happening of getting beat by a female that is BETTER than YOUR COLTS…………… Make up all the excuses you want, but the proof is on tape FOREVER. She came from the WORST pole postion, hit the front and NEVER LOOKED BACK! I can only imagine how many excuses are flying for the owners of all those colts she beat…when REAL AND TRUE GENTLEMEN, would stand up and congratulate her and be silent about making excuses. NONE of you make them if beaten by another colt, so stop with the gender excuses….makes you look cheap.
Reply