Coming off this first career loss at the Kentucky Derby, Dortmund is looking to bounce back on the winning column when he takes part in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, scheduled for this weekend. With just one loss in seven races, Dortmund is certainly a horse to watch out for in the Preakness. Here is everything you need to know about Dortmund and his potential to give good value on the 2015 Preakness Stakes Horse Racing Odds.
Brief Analysis at Dortmund’s Horse Racing Odds at 2015 Preakness Stakes
Why the Preakness is a strangely difficult race this year. http://t.co/mbpx42IeRr pic.twitter.com/Jx1HAZdhwJ
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 14, 2015
Background Profile of Dortmund
Owner: Kaleem Shah
Breeder: Emilie Gerlinde Fojan
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Horse Betting Odds to Win the 2015 Preakness Stakes: 7-2
Major Wins: Santa Anita Derby 2015, San Felipe Stakes 2015, Robert B. Lewis Stakes 2015, Los Alamitos Futurity 2014
Being a strong American Thoroughbred racehorse trained by the legendary Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and entering the Kentucky Derby on a 6-race winning streak, Dortmund was considered by sportsbetting pundits as a lock to finish in the No. 1 slot, or No. 2 at worst during the Derby. Unfortunately, Dortmund could only manage to secure a No. 3 finish, coming behind American Pharoah (first-place finish, also trained by Baffert) and Firing Lane, who finished at No. 2 in the 2015 Kentucky Derby.
Taking into account the 8-horse field for the Preakness, there is a likelihood that the race will once again come down to the three horses, so Dortmund must perform better than in the Derby.
Reasons Why Dortmund Can Win the Preakness Stakes 2015
With a long legacy of success in his background, the big three-year-old chestnut colt is not a newbie to the world of winning. Talking about Dortmund prior to the Derby, his jockey Garcia enthusiastically commented that, “Even though he’s won all his races, he’s still learning. He can play around a bit, but when someone comes to him, or I ask him to go, he becomes push-button and he just takes off.”
Even more notably, Dortmund comes into the Preakness with the confidence of having beaten Firing Lane twice (at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes-G2 in February 2015 and the Los Alamitos Futurity-G1 in December 2014), hence bouncing back from finishing behind Firing Lane at Kentucky should be possible for him. As for the question about beating American Pharoah, Baffert (trainer of both American Pharoah and Dortmund) noted that both horses are very talented and either of them can get a win at any time, depending on “How they Break,” a crucial factor that has been be fittingly explained here by Washington Post’s Sports Columnist Andrew Beyer. A good break by Dortmund could thus easily lead to a win on Saturday.
Winning X-factors
Baffert is no stranger to the Pimlico winner’s circle, saddling five Preakness winners—Lookin At Lucky (2010), War Emblem (2002), Point Given (2001), Real Quiet (1998) and Silver Charm (1997). Garcia is also no stranger to this race, as he won the 2010 Preakness States riding Baffert’s Lookin At Lucky.
Possible Pitfalls
Using his monstrous size and long legs, Dortmund broke well in the Kentucky Derby and led for much of the race, but couldn’t hold on in the last parts of the race. The fast break was typical of Dortmund, who often relies on his pace and strength to win races. The chance for such a break could however be limited in the Preakness because of Dortmund’s No. 2 starting post, especially because American Pharoah (drawn at the No. 1 post) is quicker, while Firing Lane (drawn at the No. 8 post) is also no pushover.
“(Firing Line) was tough to get by, so he’s going to be tough again,” noted Baffert after the Derby. “There’s a lot of quality there, a lot of class. He’s a really good horse.”
Therefore, even with his intimidating size, speed and good winning record, Dortmund will need to have the best of breaks, and maybe even a bit of some help from the rest of the field, if he is to bounce back with a win this Saturday.
Final Betting Remarks
Taking into account Dortmund’s inside post draw, could it pose some challenges to him? Possibly. Even so, the fact that Dortmund has faced similar challenges in the past and emerged victorious should be a reason big enough to trust him with your money on the odds to win the 2015 Preakness Stakes.
