Preakness picks: Betting tips for all 13 races at Preakness 2011

Preakness Day Picks by Liam Durbin

Analysis: This race has plenty of speed. With the full field, should make for a very exciting race. Easy Ashley is the quickest of all the early speed horses. She should be forwardly placed early. However, she has conceded the lead willingly in the past when pressured. She should see some pressure, but this group is not as classy as her usual competition. Toni's The Won has won two in a row since switching to turf. Although she's a bit cheaper than some of these, her switch to turf looks to be working well. Princess Malka is another who has made a successful conversion to turf. She's has a nice stalking style which should work well today.

For value: Belarus has never started on the rail, and it may be to her advantage. She can be close enough to the pace to keep from getting pinched. Has raced over this track very well.

What to bet: There will be no strong favorite in this one, so keying any horse will provide value. Easy Ashley should be classy enough to get and hold the lead. Exacta and trifecta wheel Easy Ashley with Belarus, Princess Malka, Sydney Speaks and Toni's the Won.

Race 6

1:33 p.m.

Analysis: Vengeful Wildcat has never finished out of the money in five lifetime starts, despite seeking out some very tough fields. His stalking style is ideal for this distance. He will likely just have one to catch when they turn for home, and that is Diski Dance. Diski Dance looks to be the sole speed. He will set the early fractions. His class is highly questionable so he should get caught. Road Ready is well-traveled, with wins on the West Coast and at Oaklawn. Nice score last time out, looks to be improving. Nice bullet works at Churchill.

For value: Wicked Thunder has never missed the board in ten lifetime starts. That is a remarkable accomplishment for horses at this level. No reason he could not be a part of it today. Great value at 12-1.

What to bet: Road Ready looks ready against an otherwise very even field. Will likely go off at 5-1 or higher, so is a very juicy proposition as a key horse. Key Road Ready over Wicked Thunder, Escort, Vengeful Wildcat and Diski Dance in exacta and trifecta bets.

Race 7

2:13 p.m.

Analysis: Joes Blazing Aaron will be part of the early pace but is shortening up today so expect him to carry his speed a long way. He will be tough to catch. Humble And Hungry broke his maiden against a strong field of 11 at Belmont. Has been seeking a good spot since. Last out at Keeneland was a strong third place effort. Should improve off that effort with this field today.

For value: Batter Up has just three lifetime starts, but all three starts had full, competitive fields. Has a nice closing style that should get him close today. Ships in from Gulfstream and Aqueduct, both very good racing circuits.

What to bet: The favorite looks really vulnerable at 5-2 so look elsewhere. Humble And Hungry is a good horse settling into the right class level. Will be overlooked in the betting. Key Humble and Hungry over Master Dunker, Lil Bit O'Fun, Batter Up and Joes Blazing Aaron in exacta and trifecta bets.

Race 8

2:55 p.m.

Analysis: Ventana is the class of the race, with a Grade II win under his belt five races back. He got it done last time he went to post as a strong favorite, and he has the class to repeat. Has been out of form in his last four starts but this field is a bit softer than those he has faced elsewhere. Immortal Eyes may be the best speed in the race, but he has struggled at distances longer than 5 furlongs and he should not have it easy on the front end today. Nathan's HQ also has some speed, but has been running at somewhat cheaper tracks. This would be his first graded stakes win if he gets it done. Ventana stands alone as the class of the race, but there are threats in here.

For value: Delong Road has run well and won over some great tracks, but has never tried Pimlico. Ships in from Churchill coming off a particularly poor effort. Will be overlooked in the betting. Will be part of a respectable pace, or may stalk from just off.

What to bet: Ventana is a decent win bet at 2-1 but below that is questionable. Back him up with some value. Exacta and trifecta wheel Delong Road and Ventana with Nathan's HQ, Delong Road, Ventana and Safety Check.

Race 9

3:35 p.m.

Analysis: Shared Account comes into this race following a stunning 46-1 victory in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf last fall. At those odds, it is obvious she was not expected to run to that level, although her history is full of quality races. She has not started since that win so it is tough to jump on her at 4-5 now, even though she is the only graded stakes winner in the field. No Explaining has three wins and four thirds since shipping in from the UK and has been the favorite in several of those. She stands apart as a clear second choice. Dyna Waltz raced well in her only start stateside and is one of just a couple with early speed.