Preakness Stakes Field
Veteran horse handicapper Ed Sehon, who has been playing the ponies since 1962, weighs in on the Preakness Stakes field and some initial impressions of who could be a big factor on Saturday at Pimlico.
1. GOAL ORIENTED (6-1)
Record: 2-2-0-0
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 91
Earnings: $111,960
Mr. Ed: Anytime Baffert and Prat team up, I pay attention. Lightly raced, expensive colt needs to ration his speed over Pimlico oval if he’s to beat Journalism to the first turn (no small feat). Colt’s lofty goal within reach.
2. JOURNALISM (8/5)
Record: 6-4-1-1
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 108
Earnings: $1,638,880
Mr. Ed: As a recovering journalist, betting on him would be similar to a recovering gambler making a bet. However, it’s hard not to buy his resume. Son of the great Curlin, he boasts the best speed figure, most money won and two excellent Grade 1 efforts (including second to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby). Tactical speed, excellent rider add to his appeal. He’s the one to beat.
3. AMERICAN PROMISE (15-1)
Record: 10-2-1-1
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 95
Earnings: $444,874
Mr. Ed: Winner of Preakness on seven previous occasions, it’s never a good idea to ignore a Lukas-trained entrant. I promise to ignore this one.
4. HEART OF HONOR (12-1)
Record: 6-2-4-0
Trainer: Jamie Osborne
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Best Beyer Speed Figure: N/A
Earnings: $340,919
Mr. Ed: Cheap foreign-born colt appears to be in over his head. Most of the other eight entrants offer gambling opportunities. Not this one.
5. PAY BILLY (20-1)
Record: 8-4-1-1
Trainer: Michael Gorham
Jockey: Raul Mena
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 85
Earnings: $234,475
Mr. Ed: Hometown hero reminds one of BBB’s defeat of heavily favored River Ridge in ‘72, whose connections went on to win ‘73 Preakness with the immortal Secretariat. No pay today, Billy.
6. RIVER THAMES (9-2)
Record: 4-2-1-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 95
Earnings: $261,900
Mr. Ed: Skipped Derby after sharp effort in Blue Grass at Keeneland. Before that, he prepped in Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream where he lost by a neck to Sovereignty. I like trainer. I like rider. I like colt’s chances.
 7. SANDMAN (4-1)
Record: 9-3-1-2
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Johnny Velazquez
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 99
Earnings: $1,254,595
Mr. Ed: Fan favorite sports excellent record while banking more than $1.2 million. Hall of Fame trainer-jockey combo deserves respect. Horse had tons of trouble in Derby, but today’s distance might be a furlong too far. No slumber party.
8. CLEVER AGAIN (5-1)
Record: 3-2-1-0
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 101
Earnings: $198,400
Mr. Ed: I’m a big fan of trainer, who cleverly sports son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah following impressive back-to-back, gate-to-wire scores at Oaklawn Park. Speedball, with Jose Ortiz in saddle, might just do it again. Don’t toss.
9. GOSGER (20-1)
Record: 3-2-1-0
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Luis Saez
Best Beyer Speed Figure: 88
Earnings: $292,200
Mr. Ed:  Lightly raced son of Nyquist comes off winning effort last month in Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, where trainer and jockey excelled. Needs to improve Beyers if he’s to compete with other speedsters. Might use in exotic wagers.
