2010 PREAKNESS STAKES AT PIMLICO ODDS AND FREE TIPS

The 2010 Preakness is set to run today at Pimlico as Super Saver (Maria's Mon) remains the favourite to take the second leg of the Triple Crown. This is an interesting race and some would go so far as to comment on the fact that it is almost an underwhelming field here with no real stand-out superstars. Even Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) hasn't had a decent race in the past three outings. 

The odds remain competitive between those two favourites with Super Saver at 5/2 in the morning line and Bob Baffert's charge at a 3/1 price. I think drawing a decent post for the first time in a while has kept Lucky's price down and the jockey change could pay some serious dividends. 
There is a lot of tactical speed in this race and not a huge amount of early speed which is a stark difference from the 2010 Kentucky Derby. Additionally, while some of the contenders from the Derby are lining up for this one like third place Paddy O'Prado (El Prado) and Dublin (Afleet Alex), there are a few newcomers to the Triple Crown trail that may be able to throw a monkey wrench into the plans of Todd Pletcher and Calvin Borel. 
My tip for the spoiler position is the mysterious Yawanna Twist (Yonaguska). This is a lightly-raced colt who has only seen four career outings and has been there-or-thereabouts in virtually every race he's run. He is a half-brother to last year's Preakness placed Musket Man and I think that's a great reference. He may have a shot at the early speed position here and his post shouldn't complicate things too much for him. 
Aikenite (Yes It's True) didn't get enough graded earnings to tackle the Derby, but he really wouldn't have been a contender there. I think he's a solid selection for your show bets and should factor into your exotics. He adds plenty of value on them with his 20/1 odds. 
Little Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) had a rough time at Churchill Downs, but could definitely be a factor today. He is small and very manouverable and has a great kick for a colt of his size. His ability to move through traffic could be a factor as a lot of horses will be looking to deploy that tactical speed after the final turn. He could be a real surprise. 
Personally, I think that it would be great to see Super Saver pull this one off but he has a lot going against him. Calvin Borel had to deploy the crop over 20 times in the Derby to keep him going and he was also the best horse in the race on the surface by a very big margin. The track at Pimlico is rated as fast and I think that goes against Super Saver. Personally, I think if he pulls it off it will be because of Calvin Borel. Lookin at Lucky is definitely due for some luck and if you're looking to play him, I'd suggest keying him up with the field on an exactor ticket. 
I will be playing Yawanna Twist on an each-way and using Lookin At Lucky and Super Saver on the top end of my exotics with Jackson Bend, Aikenite and Yawanna Twist on the bottom ends.