Always Dreaming vs. Lookin At Lee
After beating him in the Kentucky Derby, can Always Dreaming top Lookin At Lee in tonight’s Preakness Stakes?
The Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, Always Dreaming has -600 odds to finish ahead of Lookin At Lee in tonight’s Preakness Stakes. That makes Lookin At Lee a massive long shot at +350 to edge out Always Dreaming after finishing as the runner-up to this year’s triple crown qualifier at Churchill Downs two weeks ago.
Lookin At Lee Snapshot
Lookin At Lee lived up to his reputation as a true closer in the Kentucky Derby. After rallying third in the Arkansas Derby, Lookin At Lee hugged the rail, closed late and finished second to Always Dreaming at Churchill Downs two weeks ago. Granted, he’s only won twice in his 10 career starts, but Lookin At Lee is talented and consistent. Sire Lookin At Lucky won the 2010 Preakness and his trainer Steve Asmussen has reached the Preakness winner’s circle with two of the sport’s biggest starts this century in Curlin (2007) and Rachel Alexandra (2009).
Always Dreaming Snapshot
This year’s Kentucky Derby winner is on a four-start winning streak. He won a Maiden Special Weight on January 25, then won an Allowance on March 3 before making a huge jump to the Grade 1 Florida Derby in early April. He proved that he could handle the step up in class, beating State of Honor and Gunnevera in an impressive performance. While he was the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, other contenders received more hype heading into Churchill Downs. Nevertheless, Always Dreaming’s inexperience did not hinder his performance. He has cruising speed, push-button acceleration, and outstanding closer burst. This Todd Pletcher-trained contender has the talent to win the triple crown.
Preakness Stakes Prediction
There’s obviously zero value in betting the favorite at -600, but for the purproses of making our predictions, I’m taking Always Dreaming. Lookin At Lee rode the rail to a second-place showing at Churchill Downs a couple of weeks ago and there’s a chance he could finish in the money again tonight. BUt Always Dreaming is a legitimate triple crown contender and too talented to bet against. I like him to win the Preakness as the favorite today, and thus like him to finish ahead of Lookin At Lee.
2017 Preakness Stakes Predictions: Always Dreaming over Lookin At Lee