Northern Giant Preview
Can Northern Giant overcome the longest odds in the 2010 Preakness Stakes field in order to claim victory on Saturday? Let’s preview his odds.
Latest News:
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas says that Northern Giant is a much better horse than people think. Lukas points out that the colt is fresh and has got a great efficiency of motion, although bettors are skeptical after he finished dead last at the Arkansas Derby. That said, Lukas notes that Northern Giant had mucous pharyngitis during that race, which has since been corrected. Will Northern Giant be overmatched come Saturday? Lukas and his 40 years of trainer experience don’t think so. That’s good enough for us.
Updated Odds:
Northern Giant was a 30/1 long shot win the odds were released earlier in the week, but updated futures now have him at 28/1 to win the 2010 Preakness Stakes according to oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com. Other long shots include Yawanna Twist and Aikenite, both of whom are 25/1 to win on Saturday.
Post Position:
Lukas likes Northern Giant’s draw of No. 4, at least more than his other Preakness contender, Dublin’s, draw of No. 12. Since 2000, the top 3 post positions in terms of wins are No. 4, No. 7 and No. 8, which have all claimed two victories apiece. Hmm…
Final Analysis & Outlook:
There’s really not much to like about Northern Giant, especially considering he finished ninth in the Arkansas Derby (a horrible prep to say the least), which was five weeks ago. He doesn’t have any stakes wins, his best Beyer is a 92 and he skipped the Kentucky Derby. That said, call us crazy but we like this horse’s running style. He can stalk the pace, which is a positive in a race like the Preakness and he does have five starts this year, which includes a second place showing at the G2 Lane’s End on March 27. Considering Mine That Bird won the 2009 Kentucky Derby as a 50/1 long shot, we think Northern Giant represents good value. He’s a colt that most bettors have already crossed off their list, but we actually favor him more than some of the other contenders.
Preakness Stakes 135 – Saturday, May 15, 2010 – Horse Racing Odds
Super Saver 5/2
Lookin at Lucky 3/1
Paddy O’prado 6/1
Caracortado 10/1
Dublin 10/1
Jackson Bend 11/1
Schoolyard Dreams 14/1
First Dude 20/1
Pleasant Prince 20/1
Aikenite 25/1
Yawanna Twist 25/1
Northern Giant 28/1
Posted: 5/15/10 12:00PM ET