Preakness Stakes Odds: Astrology To Pull The Upset?

Written by Jake Thompson
Thursday, 19 May 2011 23:14

Newcomer Astrology could be the one to pull the big upset in the 2011 Preakness Stakes.

Astrology is set to race in the May 21st Preakness Stakes, and there are numerous reasons to include this horse in your bets.  The Preakness Stakes morning line odds list Astrology at 15-1, and there is plenty of value in that number if it holds strong in pre-race betting.  This 3-year-old has a great pedigree but is being overlooked after coming in 2nd in the Jerome Handicap, Sunland Derby, and Kentucky Jockey Club.

The level of competition Astrology faced in those races isn’t that impressive, but you have to realize that he bumped his head on the starting gate in the Jerome, while an extremely sloppy track in the Sunland can also be excused.  I’ve seen this horse stalk the leaders and have plenty of gas left in the tank toward the end, and I couldn’t think of a better post position than his inside #1 spot that he’ll start from at Pimlico Race Course.  He’ll be able to get his perfect position without having to cross over any traffic, and this race might be the one where he finally gets in the winner’s circle.

Sired by 1992 Belmont Stakes winner A.P. Indy, the pedigree suggests that this horse will love the dirt and distance of the Preakness Stakes.  Another reason to like Astrology besides the pedigree, odds, and post position is the fact that he’s well rested after not taking part in the Kentucky Derby.  Many out there consider the Kentucky Derby horses superior, but you also have to take into account that being the “fresher” runner has its advantages as well.

I expect the Preakness Stakes to have a much quicker pace than the slow Kentucky Derby, and the only problem I see for Astrology is that big closers like Dialed In, Mucho Macho Man, and Animal Kingdom should be better able to pass the tiring pace setters.  Astrology will definitely have horses coming at him at the wire, but I feel that his position and ability to come strong at the end despite his quickness could be more than enough for the surprise upset.  He might get nipped at the end by a horse like Dialed In, but ultimately I feel he’s a great bet to include in your exotics because of the difference between his odds and his positives.