Preakness Day Pick 5s

Tyler Whisman

By now, you’re likely aware that the takeout on the Pick 5 at Pimlico is 12%. That’s an attractive proposition so I thought I’d take a quick look at both Pick 5s on offer tomorrow.

Below, I’ll try to provide some quick and dirty handicapping thoughts, and then I’ll provide A-B-C selections to help with ticket construction.

Race 1:

1 SPITBALL is an interesting runner. On the surface, he’s had little success at today’s 6F distance and is yet to win at Pimlico. But he shows up here, instead of Friday’s more ambitious placement, for a new barn and rider. His figures (TG) are consistent and he’s a press for me in this spot.

I’ll use a couple of backups. 8 SHACKS WAY ran a big new top in his last race and comes back quick. He’s likely to react but he could back up a little and still win.

7 WHERE PARADISE LAY has a history of reacting to big figures (like the one two back) which might explain the no-show in his last. He’s been given some time and although he doesn’t like to win, he has past figures that make him competitive here. Admittedly, it’s hard to swallow the 5-2.

Race 2:

7 SHOOGER RAY TOO is another who skipped a tougher assignment on Friday. This one comes off a couple of wide trips and as a result, the price is attractive. I like the efforts when Carmouche has been aboard. With plenty of early speed in here, this one has proven he can pass horses and seems live.

Again, I’ll use a couple of backups. 2 HONOR THE FLEET appears to be going the wrong way but he’s worthy of inclusion, due to the new conditioner.

10 D’RAPPER threw in a clunker last time out. A rebound and he’s in the mix.

Race 3:

Hopefully, we’ve created some value in the first two legs because 4 EVAN HARLAN will be an odds on favorite and single. He picks up Lasix and stretches out for a barn that has been on fire lately. The form is obvious here.

I wouldn’t argue with anyone that wanted to use 8 AIRSPEED VELOCITY as a C type. I suspect this horse might have some ability.

Also, it’s worth noting the bullet work out for 7 HARD TRAVELER. First time gelding, first time Lasix, big-time price.

Maybe a race worth playing vertically?

Race 4:

I don’t have a strong opinion in this race, other than the favorite is vulnerable. Handal has sent four horses to Pimlico in the past 5 years and has no wins to show. Small sample size, yes. But the horses were all less than 4-1 and only one hit the board.

I could see using a weighted ALL here. My A’s would be 2 SIR ALFRED JAMES, 3 THREES OVER DEUCES, 6 MR PHIL and 7 JAXON TRAVELER.

Race 5:

Another straightforward turf race. 2 CRYSTAL CLIFFS (FR) and 4 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (IRE) should lock up the race.

Though 3 SCARABEA and 6 KARAKATSIE are worthy of inclusion on the C line.

To quickly summarize, I’m trying to create value in the first two legs and relying heavily on the favorites in Races 3 and 5.

Let’s move on to the Late Pick 5…