Secret Oath, Epicenter get broad support
Bill Douglas, Times Union: I’m going for the best story here and giving Secret Oath the nod. She would become the seventh filly to win the second leg of the Triple Crown and give 86-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas a recordtying seventh Preakness victory. Epicenter, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, deserves to be the favorite and will be tough to beat. Chad Brown’s Early Voting should be a factor as well.
1. Secret Oath
2. Epicenter
3. Early Voting
4. Simplification
David Johnson, Times Union: Epicenter appeared to be best in the Derby when he fended off a challenge from Zandon down the stretch and is a deserved heavy favorite here. Early Voting will be fresh and looking to get to the front quickly. The most exciting scenario would be if D. Wayne Lukas’ Secret Oath was a factor down the stretch. This time, Creative Minister could be the one to benefit if there’s a hot pace.
1. Epicenter
2. Early Voting
3. Secret Oath
4. Creative Minister
Tony Podlaski: Secret Oath was quite impressive in the Kentucky Oaks win; she could be the seventh filly to wear the Black-eyed Susan blanket for “The Coach,” who is also seeking his seventh Preakness win. Epicenter looked like the Kentucky Derby winner before Rich Strike caught him near the finish; he is the horse to beat at a short price. Early Voting fought gamely against Mo Donegal after setting a moderate pace in the Wood Memorial; Jose Ortiz opted for this horse. Creative Minister could be a live long shot as he shows significant improvement in each of his three career starts.
1. Secret Oath
2. Epicenter
3. Early Voting
4. Creative Minister