Preakness Pace the Key

The pace dynamic in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes is interesting. Big Drama has speed from the rail but is taking the blinkers off, presumably to relax him a bit more early. Rachel Alexandra has speed if needed, and with the outside post, she’ll have to use some of it. Take the Points also has speed, though though it’s not sprint-like. And even Tone It Down has pace if needed.

Ultimately, I envision Big Drama taking them under the line the first time with Rachel Alexandra a stalking second. Behind them could be a cluster of five or six horses. I mapped-out the pace scenario above and tried to visualize their actual positions going to the turn but it’s tough. The key components are Take the Points and Tone It Down – do they go, or do they rate?