Another longshot to claim victory

Bob Clancy’s selections for the 144th Preakness Stakes, the 13th race Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore:

Post time: 6:45 p.m.; TV: NBC; Distance: 1 3/16 miles; Purse: $1.5 million; Forecast: Sunny, high near 75.

SIGNALMAN (No. 8, 30-1) will benefit greatly from what is expected to be a very fast pace. Son of General Quarters has consistently improved his position in seven career starts while facing horses at least as good as some of the competition he’ll see in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Colt trained by Ken McPeek is coming off a strong effort in the Grade 2 Blue Grass at Keeneland, where he was narrowly beaten by Win Win Win for the place position. Grade 2 winner’s best performance may have been his third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. Look for Brian Hernandez Jr. to conserve his energy through the early stages before launching a rally as the field of 13 heads into the far turn.

IMPROBABLE (No. 4, 5-2) went off as the 4-1 favorite in the Kentucky Derby and ran evenly, winding up fourth after the disqualification of Maximum Security. He will be a much-shorter price this time around, and deservedly so. He could simply be better than these. Perhaps all you need to know is that Mike Smith is riding for Bob Baffert, who has trained seven Preakness winners. Smith and Baffert won a Pimlico thriller last year with Triple Crown champion Justify.

ALWAYSMINING (No, 7, 8-1) steps way up after reeling off six consecutive victories. He beat Win Win Win in December and dominated Joevia (winner of Monmouth’s Long Branch Sunday) in a March 16 race at Laurel. Son of Stay Thirsty could go straight to the lead or sit just off the speedy Warrior’s Charge. Prepped for this with an 11-length win in Laurel’s Federico Tesio last month.

WIN WIN WIN (No. 13, 15-1) was never a factor in the Derby after dropping too far back early. Though the outside post doesn’t help, the long run to the first turn should enable him to establish a decent position. His sprints as a 2-year-old indicate he is very capable of showing more tactical speed.

Contact Bob Clancy bclancy929@gmail.com.

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