2011 Preakness Stakes Ante Post Betting Part 2

Shackleford (Forestry) was a real surprise on the day and wound up finishing a very respectable 4^th after being in front for about 90% of the race. This guy looks like he could be a real threat once he matures a bit and can unleash a bit more tactical speed – he certainly has the conformation and ability. Shackleford looks to be a really nice purchase for his connections and his second to Dialed In back in Florida doesn't look a fluke at all anymore. He is getting more respect this time and you'll find him trading around 8/1.

A pair of new entrants to the Triple Crown Trail add a real element of spice to this contest as the enigma-like Dance City (City Zip) and Peachtree-owned Flashpoint (Pomeroy) both carry very plausible Preakness prices. You'll remember Dance City when he was acting up in the gate during the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and he wound up delaying the start of Archarcharch (Arch)'s eventual coronation by a solid 5 minutes. After looking like he was going to be scratched or worse, this guy runs a game third and just misses out. If he can keep his head cool on the way into the gate this time, who knows what he's capable of? This one could either be set to finish last or make a very serious statement and his 12/1 listing tells no lies.

Also priced at 12/1 is the aforementioned Flashpoint and he took the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes earlier in the Gulfstream meet before running fourth to Dialed In in the Grade 1 Florida Derby after attracting a fair amount of support.

Astrology (A.P. Indy) is rumoured to be reappearing in the Preakness and he hasn't really done much wrong and looks a real nice shout to hit the board in this one. He took three second-place finishes on the bounce in graded company at several different tracks. Shipping in to Pimlico won't be an issue for this one and his 16/1 price tag indicates some confidence. I like him hitting the board and would relish a 5/1 show price.

Other notables in this one include Sway Away (Afleet Alex) who is an extremely well-bred colt but just didn't really look the picture yet going a distance of ground. If connections have got him where they want him and are confident enough to have a bash on the Preakness, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt to a certain extent. 14/1 is about right but I think he's a really strong play if you can get him at 20/1.

Some of the other spots are still settling down but you can expect plenty of excellent action – and a whole lot of money on the line – once the Preakness unfolds in less than two weeks time.