Nine are set for the 150th running of the $2 million Preakness (G1), and Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite. His odds are eligible to be shorter, possibly odds-on, by post time.

Journalism reeled off four consecutive wins, including impressive scores in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe (G2) in which he registered 108 and 104 Brisnet Speed ratings, and he earned four consecutive triple-digit Late Pace numbers prior to weakening in the stretch of the Kentucky Derby.

Tenth after the opening three-quarters of a mile, Journalism could not match Sovereignty’s turn of foot over the final three-eighths of a mile at Churchill Downs, but I expect the Michael McCarthy-trained son of Curlin to settle into better positioning during the opening stages of the Preakness and produce the necessary finishing kick in the stretch to prove best.

Journalism will offer no value in the straight pools, but the Pick 3 is one avenue I will look to capitalize upon my top choice. I am also keen on a runner in the race before the Preakness, the Dinner Party (G3) at 1 1/8 miles on turf, and will recommend the following Pick 3 wager.

$20 Pick 3 (races 11-13)

5,7 with 10 with 2 = $40

Here are my thoughts on the first two legs of the Pick 3 sequence.

Race 11 – James W. Murphy

#5 End of Romance (9-2) appears set for a top effort in his second U.S. turf start. A two-time winner in England, the gelding overcame a rough start to finish a solid third in the Rushaway S. at Turfway when making his first start for Graham Motion. End of Romance exits an encouraging effort in the Woodhaven S. on Aqueduct’s turf, getting on track too late after a wide trip to miss by a length, and he’s eligible to show more here.

#7 Reagan’s Wit (5-2), a neck second in the Colombia at Tampa Bay Downs when making his stakes debut two back, also will be used off a rallying fourth in the Transylvania (G3) at Keeneland.

Race 12 – Dinner Party

A neck second in the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) three back, #10 Fort Washington (5-1) offered a fine late run to be fifth in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) next out. He overcame a less-than-favorable trip in the Canadian Turf (G3) last out, rallying boldly to prevail four-wide, and Fort Washington has been freshened in preparation for Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, who owns a record five wins in the race. The six-year-old appears to be training forwardly, and I expect Fort Washington to offer a strong showing from off the pace.

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