Maryland, My Maryland

I am not trying to be the Grinch that stole the Triple Crown, but Barbaro is certainly not a lock in the 131st Preakness Stakes Saturday. He wil be a heavy, heavy favorite in Baltimore. Probably too much of a favorite to have any value on him. Therefore, I will go against the popular wisdom and go with Sweetnorthernsaint for the second straight race. He never really had a chance in the Derby after getting creamed at the start of the race and STILL managed to be right there at the top of the stretch before coming up empty. Barbaro comes next in second, right where I picked him two weeks ago. My third choice in here could represent the lone speed in the field. Like Now won the Gotham Stakes in New York and ran 2nd in the Coolmore Lexington four weeks ago. He drew the rail and more than likely will try to steal this race on the front end. If the early fractions are dawdling, he could win. Brother Derek overcame his miserable post position in Kentucky and dead-heated for fourth in the Derby despite being wide every step of the way. Here's wishing the best of luck to you all.