The 2013 Preakness Stakes is just around the bend, meaning time is quickly running out for bettors to identify the top horses in the race and place some wagers down on the potential outcome.
With only nine horses—out of a possible 14—participating in the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans this year, there isn't much room to gamble on long shots.
Due to the short length of the track—9.5 furlongs to be exact—and limited number of true competitors, you will be better served taking the sure thing at Pimlico.
Shug McGaughey's superstar colt is simply the best thoroughbred in this competition and will not be seriously impacted by the slightly difficult No. 1 starting post.
He proved that he could overcome all odds at the Kentucky Derby, when Orb came flying from the back of the pack all the way up to take a huge lead down the stretch.
His Beyer Speed Figure clocked in at 104 two weeks ago, which was absolutely amazing, considering the atrocious conditions under the rainy sky at Churchill Downs. That type of performance indicates that Orb should be even better at Pimlico this weekend.
Expect him to be patient out of the gate and let the traffic sort itself out ahead of him around the turn. Once jockey Joel Rosario spots the opening, he will surge to the front and win the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans.
Departing is a gelding that didn't partake in the Run for the Roses on May 4, but will make life difficult for Orb in Baltimore. He may not be a Triple Crown hopeful, but this Albert M. Stall Jr.-trained horse isn't going to just roll over and allow the favorite to take the second jewel without a fight.
Departing is also extremely familiar with Orb, as the two grew up together on Claiborne Farm and raced against one another during their youth.
If he's able to use that and fresh legs to his advantage, Departing could make a serious push to steal this race away from his old companion.
Unfortunately for the untested gelding, it doesn't seem that he has the speed or stamina to close out and will be overtaken down the stretch—unless he has another gear that he hasn't shown during his prep runs.
However, if you are betting the race, don't completely ignore this horse. He's a great pick to place or show and should be utilized in nearly every superfecta bet made.
With a sloppy track and plenty of kickback, the Doug O'Neill-trained colt managed a meager 17th-place finish (out of 19 entrants.) He just couldn't handle getting stuck behind the pack and wasn't able to use his blistering speed as an advantage beneath the Twin Spires.
That could change in Baltimore, as the conditions look much more favorable and the smaller, nine-horse field will be a boon to his chances of winning.
Goldencents is also in the unique position to box Orb against the rail and keep the favorite from jumping ahead in the last leg of the race—if everything goes to plan.
There are plenty of other factors that will be involved in Orb's run, but jockey Kevin Krigger will have to be alert and either try to win a wire-to-wire race against the favorite—nearly impossible—or, if he has a chance, keep Orb pinned down in order to open things up for everyone else.
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