We are a week away from the running of the second jewel of racing. The Preakness can bring fresh runners as well as the same competitors from the Derby. It is only two weeks apart, but this race can be a bit more tactical. Don’t believe the story of the tight turns, and just like Churchill, it helps to get a work over the track.

Super Saver is getting around well after winning Derby 136. Calvin Borel claimed they were going all the way, and it looks as if he is going to give it his best shot. So far, the race has not chased away any takers, and it may be a full field for him to shoot down. He will have to be at his best, and by all accounts, that is where things are going. His works have been good, and he came back well after his big win. I think that he does have a shot, and is the only one who can take down the Triple Crown. If racing needed a hero, it is now. The connections of Pletcher and Borel are strong. Pletcher looked at Borel as the man who could take it all the way. Borel predicted this, and if the racing gods are in his corner, then history can get ready to etch another name of runners taking their best shot.

Lookin At Lucky – Baffert said his runner was 50/50 the other day. That was before he worked. Now he is 51/49 according to Baffert. This is the same guy who had the Derby trophy on his head. He is clowning around, and he knows what he has. Lucky is good, but is he good enough to get a clean trip? He could find a corner in a round room…. I have wondered about Gomez in the saddle. I love the rider, but sometimes they do not fit some horses. I am not the one to make the call, but I would try anything after four sour trips. Gomez has turned into a magnet for trouble. If anyone can beat Super Saver, it is this guy….I loved him in the Derby, and I still like him. I would love to see a Triple Crown contender, but he will have his hands full if all systems are go…. Lucky is strong, but after the Derby it looks like S.S. has found his way. The two have different styles, but Saver is more versatile. He can take the lead and run, or he can rate just off the pace. Dangerous…..

Super Saver is confirmed, but like a poker game, everyone is holding their plans close to the vest.

Add in Paddy O’ Prado, who is getting better with every race, or Caracortado, who is attempting to be the first winner that has campaigned strictly in California. How about Jackson Bend, who has been as consistent as the day is long…. Dublin, the son of Preakness winner Afleet Alex, has yet to get the job done in 2010. Hurricane Ike won the Derby Trial, a race that has produced many contenders over the years.

Either which way, this should be an exciting week, as some will run and some will go home. I like to follow the goings-on, and this week we will have Chris McCarron on our Internet show, talking about the race and what it takes to win the Preakness. So, read up and tune in this week as it will be exciting.