Top Pick: #2 Journalism (8-5) - The long-striding colt has showcased impressive tactics, not going for the lead until hitting the homestretch. It didn't pay off in the last race, finishing a close second on the wet track at the Kentucky Derby, which ended a four-race win streak. Trailing Baeza and Citizen Bull at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, Journalism turned it on and won by a three-quarter-length margin. Journalism is the best horse in this race.
2nd Pick: #1 Goal Oriented (6-1) - Bob Baffert throws a talented Wild Card into the Preakness. Goal Oriented is a big, strong horse with two wins in two tries. It's a short turnaround after winning the 1 1/16-mile CD AOC, but Baffert liked what he saw in workouts: "Some horses get a little bit uptight or tense and nervous. He handled it like a pro and has got a great mind."
3rd Pick: #7 Sandman (4-1) - This long-striding 3-year-old colt was sired by Tapit and is a seasoned competitor. They've changed jockeys after a seventh-place finish at the Kentucky Derby. Pacing early and showing a late burst will serve this horse well, especially with a far less crowded field. Sandman got off to a poor start in the Southwest Stakes and still finished second, rallied late for third in the Rebel Stakes, and won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby by 2 1/2 lengths.