Spot Plays on Preakness undercard

The 142^nd running of the $1.5 million Preakness highlights a 14-race program at Pimlico and I will stick with Always Dreaming in the main event. Below are a few horses of interest I will playing on the undercard.

Race 2

#3 Keep Talking held well for fourth after establishing a wicked pace in a salty Keeneland allowance and I expect him to move forward today. Listed at 6-1 on the morning line, Ghostzapper colt has made good progress since switching to turf for Tom Proctor and jockey Florent Geroux will have options; he can either take it right to rivals from the start or sit close before pouncing.

Race 7, Chick Lang

A hot pace appear certain, with morning lines choices Recruiting Ready and Three Rules among a quartet of speedy sophomores who could be winging it from the start, and #8 Theory is eligible to take advantage. He was a little fresh when making a belated 3-year-old bow in April 8 Bay Shore at Aqueduct, chasing the pace before weakening to fourth as the even-money choice, and I won’t count the tightener against him. He’s 2-for-2 at today’s 6-furlong distance, posting convincing wins each time, and Todd Pletcher-trained colt should be primed for a top showing. Hope to get a price in his 10-1 morning line range.

Race 8, James W. Murphy

#6 Yoshida appears to have a bright future for Bill Mott. A smashing four-length maiden winner at Keeneland last out, the sophomore colt possesses good speed as well as a fine late turn of foot (BRIS Late Pace Ratings of 103 and 92) and I expect him to make a smooth transition to stakes company in this spot.

Good luck on Preakness Day!