Saturday is the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes, and here are The Post’s staff picks:
Vic Cangialosi
Bourbon War: After we had the Derby winner for all of 22 minutes, this stretch runner has fresh legs and should get fast fractions to aim for and possibly stay up after a lengthy review.
War of Will: We will never know if he would have won the Derby after he was forced to check out while making a run. Closer to the pace this time, but Kentucky may have taken its toll.
Improbable: Why wasn’t the Derby favorite no better than fifth? Bob Baffert makes a rider change to Mike Smith, who will have him forwardly placed early.
Debbie Little
Improbable: Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith combined to win the 2018 Preakness with Justify. Is a repeat improbable? It all depends on if he’s the post-time favorite, which wins this race 51 percent of the time.
War of Will: After what he endured in the Derby, this colt could be the sympathetic fan favorite. Trainer Mark Casse and jockey Tyler Gaffalione are looking for a clean trip to claim their first Preakness victory.
Laughing Fox: Only four times in the past 29 years has a horse that did not compete in the Derby won the Preakness. Trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. could have the last laugh if they cross the wire first at Pimlico.