The second leg of the Triple Crown series has attracted nine three-year-olds to run 1 3/16 miles at Pimlico on Saturday. The $2 million Preakness S. (G1) did not attract Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, but an excellent cast has been assembled for the historic event, nonetheless. 

$30 Budget

• $5 trifecta key 2 with 3,7,8 ($30)

$60 Budget

• $.50-cent superfecta 2,3 with 2,3,7,8 with 2,3,7,8 with all ($36)
• $.50-cent superfecta 2 with 3,7,8 with 1,3,6,7,8 with 1,3,4,6,7,8 ($24)

$90 Budget

• $.50-cent superfecta key 2 with 1,3,4,6,7,8 ($60)
• $5 trifecta key 2 with 3,7,8 ($30)

Santa Anita Derby (G1) victor #2 Journalism (8-5) is the deserving morning-line choice coming off of a fine second-place result in the Run for the Roses in Louisville two weeks prior. Trained by Mike McCarthy, the classy colt is obviously among the most talented horses in his crop, and a repeat from his Churchill Downs performance on May 3 should be enough to fend off this cast. Regular rider Umberto Rispoli will guide the son of Curlin. 

I feel that #3 American Promise (15-1) had a difficult voyage in the Derby last time out in a race that he might have needed from a fitness standpoint, perhaps. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, the son of Justify began his ascension when blinkers were added in late October that culminated with a daylight win in the Virginia Derby, and I’ll give him a pass for his Derby flop. Nik Juarez will have the burly colt tracking the pace from second or third in the early going at a nice number. 

Of the newcomers in the field, Hot Springs S. victor #8 Clever Again (5-1) is the most intriguing to me. The Steve Asmussen pupil has wired two fields in succession in 2025 and gives me the impression of a fine prospect with a very high ceiling. By American Pharoah, the $500,000 yearling acquisition made short work of a very talented horse most recently, and he also shown the ability to rate on the lead which indicates to me that he can handle the move to 1 3/16 miles. Jose Ortiz will have the exciting colt forwardly placed from the opening bell. 

Arkansas Derby (G1) hero #7 Sandman (4-1), seventh last time in Kentucky, has a big turn of foot and could get a nice set up in a field with multiple speedy types for conditioner Mark Casse. Gray son of Tapit didn’t have a smooth journey beneath the Twin Spires and figures to endure a more advantageous trip on Saturday under John Velazquez. 

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