Early Voting Wins 147th Preakness Stakes with a Perfect Game Plan
Chad Brown, the renowned trainer, had a clear strategy for Early Voting in the 147th Preakness Stakes. He wanted the talented yet lightly raced colt to have a target to chase. Brown’s plan was for Early Voting to run fast but not be the frontrunner – he wanted someone else to take the lead. And that’s exactly what happened when Armagnac, a California colt, quickly surged ahead, providing Early Voting the perfect opportunity to showcase his speed and ultimately secure victory at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
A Familiar Pattern for Success
This win marked the second Preakness victory for Chad Brown and owner Seth Klarman in just five years. Early Voting’s triumph over the 6/5 favorite, Epicenter, followed a playbook reminiscent of Brown’s past success with Cloud Computing in 2017. The strategy involved running the Wood Memorial, failing to win it, skipping the Kentucky Derby, and focusing all efforts on the Preakness.
Early Voting’s journey to the Preakness differed from Cloud Computing’s. While Cloud Computing finished third in the Wood Memorial, Early Voting was a close second, just a neck behind Mo Donegal. Despite being the third choice, Early Voting surged past his competitors, triumphing with a 1 ¼-length lead. The victory, coupled with Epicenter’s runner-up finish and Creative Minister’s third-place capabilities, resulted in thrilling race outcomes.
The Peculiar Preakness Odds
Experienced horseplayers were perplexed by the pre-race odds that seemed illogical. For instance, Fenwick, the long shot, with a morning-line odds of 50/1, ended up leaving the gate at 13/1. Just before the race, Fenwick’s odds even plummeted to 7/1, making him the clear underlay of the race. Similarly, Happy Jack, initially given morning-line odds of 30/1, went off at 11/1 but finished far behind in eighth place. Creative Minister, with 10/1 odds, outperformed several horses by leaving the gate at 10/1, providing an interesting contrast to the erratic odds.
The unexpected Preakness odds can be attributed to what can be called the “Rich Strike effect.” Casual bettors who don’t typically engage in horse race betting, aside from the Triple Crown or the Breeder’s Cup, witnessed Rich Strike’s unbelievable win in the Derby at 80/1 odds. As a result, some hopeful bettors flocked toward the longer shots, expecting lightning to strike twice in a row.
An Unpredictable Race
The morning-line odds for Early Voting, the second choice at 7/2, drifted to 5.70/1, making the race even more unpredictable. However, Chad Brown emphasized the inherent unpredictability of horse racing, acknowledging that plans often need to adapt to unexpected circumstances. In Early Voting’s case, Brown’s plan was executed flawlessly by jockey Jose Ortiz.
As Brown intended, Early Voting went out with the leaders but played follow-the-leader in the early stages. Ortiz patiently waited for the opportune moment to pounce, which presented itself when Armagnac took the lead with slower fractions. Early Voting benefited from having a target to chase, and Ortiz seized the chance to accelerate during the backstretch, ultimately gaining a 3 ½-length lead in mid-stretch.
Though Early Voting slightly swerved in the final moments, it didn’t hinder his victory. He crossed the finish line with a 1 ¼-length lead over Epicenter, securing Brown and Ortiz their first Preakness win. An emotional Ortiz expressed his faith in Early Voting, highlighting the colt’s talent and promising future.
Early Voting’s Strategic Decisions
Before his triumphant Preakness victory, Early Voting already showcased his potential by winning the Grade 3 Withers by 4 ½ lengths at Aqueduct earlier in the season. He also secured second place in the Wood Memorial, amassing enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. However, Chad Brown opted to skip the chaotic Derby due to concerns about Early Voting’s early speed getting entangled in a crowded 20-horse field.
While it remains uncertain whether Early Voting will compete in the Belmont Stakes on the second Saturday in June, Brown chose to focus on the enjoyment of giving his close friend and biggest client, Seth Klarman, a Triple Crown race victory as a 65th birthday present. The sentimental value of winning this prestigious race, just blocks away from where Klarman grew up, was immeasurable for Brown.
The Unpredictable Nature of Racing
Not all participants had a successful outing at the Preakness. Secret Oath, the second betting choice at 5/1, finished fourth by 6 ¼ lengths. The filly struggled to find her rhythm and got stuck at the back of the nine-horse field. Veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas also fell short of his seventh Preakness win as Skippylongstocking, Simplification, Armagnac, Happy Jack, and Fenwick completed the finishing order.
Conclusion
Early Voting’s triumphant victory in the 147th Preakness Stakes showcased the impeccable planning and execution of trainer Chad Brown’s game plan. With the support of jockey Jose Ortiz and a steady target ahead, Early Voting’s speed and talent propelled him to success. This exciting race left horse racing enthusiasts in awe, with unexpected odds and unpredictable outcomes adding to the thrill of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Early Voting’s strategy in the Preakness Stakes?
Early Voting’s strategy was to run fast but not take the lead. Trainer Chad Brown wanted another horse to set the pace, allowing Early Voting to chase a target. This plan proved successful, ultimately leading to Early Voting’s victory.
2. Why did Early Voting skip the Kentucky Derby?
Early Voting’s trainer, Chad Brown, decided to skip the Kentucky Derby to avoid the chaos and potential risks of a crowded field with 20 horses. Brown believed that the Preakness Stakes would provide a better opportunity for Early Voting’s racing style.
3. What were the odds like in the 147th Preakness Stakes?
The odds in this year’s Preakness Stakes were particularly unusual and surprised many seasoned horseplayers. Several long shots had significantly lower odds than expected, adding to the uncertainty and excitement of the race.
4. Will Early Voting compete in the Belmont Stakes?
The decision regarding Early Voting’s participation in the Belmont Stakes is still unknown. Trainer Chad Brown mentioned the possibility but acknowledged that the demanding 1 ½-mile race may warrant further consideration.
5. What made Early Voting’s victory in the Preakness Stakes unique?
Early Voting’s victory in the Preakness Stakes was unique due to its adherence to a specific game plan. The strategy followed by trainer Chad Brown mirrored his previous success in the Triple Crown races, highlighting the importance of careful planning and execution in horse racing.