HORSING AROUND
Fred Faour: Preakness picks and plays for Saturday's race
May 17, 2018, 8:08 pm
Saturday's Preakness Stakes features the return of Kentucky Derby standout Justify, as he tries to add the second leg of the Triple Crown to his brief resume. He was brilliant in Kentucky, and will take some beating in this spot. This field is smaller and not nearly as talented as the group he conquered in Kentucky. The key to making money will be getting a long shot or two behind him in the trifectas. So with that in mind, here we go:
1) Justify
2) Good Magic
3) Lone Sailor
4) Diamond King
5) Quip
All of our plays require a little knowledge of the game. If you have not picked up a copy of Acing Racing or Acing Racing 2016, we highly recommend it.
The most likely scenario is also the worst from a betting standpoint. Justify likely takes command early, with Quip, Diamond King, Tenfold and perhaps Good Magic chasing. Justify pulls away, and Good Magic outfinishes the others for the favorites to run 1-2. So pucnhing a few 7-5 exactas is not a bad plan, just don't expect much return. I would also hit an exacta or two with Lone Sailor in second (7-2). As for the trifectas, there are three ways to approach the bets: A simple Justify over Good Magic over ALL play in hopes of getting a long shot in third. It's a cheap, $6 play for a $1 ticket. (7 with 2-5 with ALL).
We will also take Justify over Good Magic, Lone Sailor, Quip and Sporting Chance over Good Magic, Lone Sailor, Quip, Sporting Chance and Diamond King for $1. That is $16. 7 with 1-2-3-5 with 1-2-3-4-5.
Finally, we will do the .50 "Barbaro" trifecta, just in case something goes horribly wrong, keying Good Magic first and second with Justify, Lone Sailor and Quip with ALL. That is an $18 ticket, and covers if Justify wins, but also leaves open the possibility of huge payout if something goes wrong with him. (5 with 1-2-7 with ALL. 1-2-7 with 5 with all.
I would also consider playing some show and place bets on Lone Sailor.
Good luck with your wagers. We will make the real money at the Belmont.
Kyle Tucker launched a three-run homer and matched a season high with four hits against the team that traded him in December, and the Chicago Cubs routed Houston 12-3 on Saturday night to stop the Astros' five-game winning streak.
Tucker also scored four times to pace a Cubs lineup that pounded out 15 hits, including three by Dansby Swanson. Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner also went deep.
Chicago hit three homers in an inning for the second time this season during a seven-run fourth. Busch and Hoerner had back-to-back solo shots to put the Cubs on top 3-2, and Tucker’s drive made it 7-2.
The offensive outburst came in support of Colin Rea (5-3), who allowed two runs and five hits over five innings. The only blemish on his line was rookie Cam Smith’s two-run homer in the third, which briefly gave the Astros a 2-1 lead.
Smith, part of the package Houston received for Tucker, finished with two hits and has homered in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
Lance McCullers Jr. (1-3) came off the injured list and allowed eight runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Isaac Paredes, also part of the Astros' trade return for Tucker, hit his 17th home run.
Tucker’s three-run homer in the fourth that put the Cubs ahead 7-2.
McCullers has a 10.89 ERA in five home starts this season, but hasn’t allowed an earned run in three road starts.
Houston LHP Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA) opposes RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.77 ERA) when the series concludes Sunday.