Woof, well Friday couldn’t have gone worse in Maryland. That’s what the Conductor gets for leaving New York. We have no choice but to dig our heels in and make Pimlico pay double. There are some nice undercard races prior to the worst Preakness field the Conductor has ever seen. Let’s Ride.

*Gullet Shot of the Day Race 9: 6 Furlongs. F.Skipat Stakes

#6 Gunning (6/1) – This race is loaded with early pace and the Conductor landed on this filly, who will be finishing best. Turning back from a mile, she looks to get a dream trip and Mr. Ductor trusts Prat to time her move correctly. The Pimilico dirt seems to be playing fairer than it has on prior Preakness Saturdays.

Race 10: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes

#5 Smokin’ Jay (6/1) – The Conductor thought this gelding had no shot last year in this race and he ran a strong 2nd at 9/1. He gets back to a fast turf surface today and has proven he can pass horses and win at this short 5-furlong distance. He should get a perfect trip sitting behind dueling leaders and he won’t be too far back early. The Conductor sees him going off higher than his morning line and expects him to hit board.

Race 12: 1 Mile. (Turf) James W. Murphy Stakes

#5 Circling the Drain (8/1) – This looks like an open race to the Conductor and he wants a price. This gelding has been running well on dirt and his breeding screams he’ll step forward on the grass. If he does improve, he’ll be getting his picture taken. Mowing is in his blood, let him run. Skip.

Race 13: 1 /8 Mile. G1 Preakness Stakes

#1 National Treasure (4/1) – He’s the only alternative that can beat Mage and the Conductor thinks he will. Mage ran unbelievable in the Derby, but he will regress at off that effort. National Treasure has a big early pace edge over Mage and Mage continues to break poorly. Are you going to bet against a Baffert horse on the lead entering the stretch on a speed favoring track? At a better price to boot. Skip

The Conductor's Scribe

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