STAFF PICKS

VIC CANGIALOSI 1. CLASSIC EMPIRE: One of many who lost all chance in Kentucky after the first 100 yards. Made up ground in the mud to get fourth. Another try over a fast track lining up next to the Derby winner. 2. ALWAYS DREAMING: Why not? Style which he ran for the roses works to his benefit over Pimlico’s tight turns. If Conquest Mo Money doesn’t dance with him early, he will be tough to reel in.

3. LOOKIN AT LEE: Never wins, but always seems to show up. Completed a nice exacta in Kentucky. He may bounce off the effort, or he may get up for a share. Should have waited for the longer Belmont. DEBBIE LITTLE 1. ALWAYS DREAMING: The favorite wins the Preakness more than half the time, so the Triple Crown dream can continue for Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez. 2. CONQUEST MO MONEY: Only three times in the past 27 years has the Preakness been won by a horse that didn’t start in the Derby. Fresh and speedy colt will challenge the Derby champ and complete the exacta. 3. LOOKIN AT LEE: Got a great trip in the Derby, but still couldn’t get the job done. Should be lookin good in the stretch to hit the board. ANTHONY BARSTOW

1. CLOUD COMPUTING: Love the rider switch to four-time defending Eclipse winner Javier Castellano, who has guided home a Preakness winner before. Figures put this one with the best, and he should have a chance to strike.

2. LOOKIN AT LEE: Derby runner-up the only one returning here who had a shot at the favorite in the Run for the Roses. He never has taken a step backward and there’s nothing to suggest he will do so this time. 3. ALWAYS DREAMING: A fourrace winning streak and a chance to set up a Triple Crown bid will put the target firmly on the favorite’s back, and these motivated challengers will pressure him to fade late.