BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, May 21, 2022 – Preakness Day
by: Ed Meyer
Pimlico
Race #8 – The G2 Dinner Party – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 2:49 pm
BetPTC.com Analysis / #3 – Set Piece / #2 – Novo Sol / #6 -Atone
#3 Set Piece is a late running son of Dansili (GB) for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux in the saddle. He drops from the G1 level and has a wicked late punch in the lane. Ships in from KEE and makes his 2nd start off a layoff. He is eligible to improve 2nd off, and the bullet work shows readiness. The rider and trainer win 22% as a team and his dam Portodora has 8 starters, 7 winners, 6 turf winners. The drop into G2 land and 2nd off have me ready to watch his late kick as they make the turn for home. #2 Novo Sol hails from the Saffie Joseph barn with Junior Alvarado getting the call. Three back he was running in Brazil and comes off a 49 day rest. He turns back in distance and ran a decent effort last out. The bullet work at Palm Meadows really catches your eye. #6 Atone is a stalker from the Mike Maker barn with Irad Ortiz getting the mount. 2nd off the layoff from KEE in the G1 Makers Mile Turf dropping down for a little class relief. This gelding looks to be in a solid cycle and may get a bigger piece if a clean trip is in the cards.
Race #9 – The G3 Chick Lang – 6f – 3:31 pm
BetPTC.com Analysis / #7 – Whelen Springs / #1 – Cogburn / #9 – Little Vic
#7 Whelen Springs hails from the John Ortiz barn with Irad Ortiz in the irons. This son of Street Sense is a bit of a late bloomer; picking up Ortiz in the saddle will help his chances greatly. Ortiz wins 21% with sprinters. #1 Cogburn is a blistering speedster from the Steve Asmussen barn with Joel Rosario in the saddle. 3rd off the layoff and dropping Lasix will put him in a good spot as the rail wins 20%. #9 Little Vic has plenty of early foot for Juan Avila and Paco Lopez who wins 22% on the lead. 2nd off the break, and I love the red hot bullet work.
Race #13 – The G1 Preakness Stakes – 1 3/16 – 7:01 pm
BetPTC.com Analysis / #8 – Epicenter / #1 – Simplification / #4 – Secret Oath
#8 Epicenter hails from the Steve Asmussen barn with Joel Rosario getting the call. He looked like a winner in the Derby but the suicidal fractions can take a toll. He’ll be right out there keeping the beat for the pace if it gets too slow or layoff a bit if it gets hot. He had a nice maintenance work and just needed rest to come back and show why he is the chalk. The barn comes back to win 25% off a beaten favorite effort. I’m looking for a big show today. #1 Simplification is a stalker with the rail draw for Antonio Sano and John Velasquez. His race in the Derby wasn’t bad all things considered. He’ll be closer to the leaders and should make a move before the quarter pole. #4 Secret Oath is a powerful young lady from the D Wayne Lukas barn with Luis Saez aboard. Her Oaks win was impressive, but she’s gonna need some heat on the front end. She is 7 for 8 ITM and faced the boys in the G1 Arkansas Derby. I love her against the ladies, but she’ll need the perfect trip in the second jewel. If a pace sets her in motion, she can put out the lights quickly.