Sports
Local Fans Offer Preakness Picks
136th running is Saturday at Pimlico, and local residents share their thoughts on who will win.
It's the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown: the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes is Saturday, and folks are already trying to get a leg up on the prospects for a winner.
Many were placing their wagers at area OTB's and video terminals Friday. The in Plainview and B.K. Sweeney's in Bethpage are two hot spots for horse racing aficionados and all eyes will be on the race, with post time scheduled for 6:18.
Specifically, all eyes will be on Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, currently listed as the 2-1 favorite. The folks at Belmont Park have a lot invested in the race, as an Animal Kingdom victory means the thoroughbred will come here to try and become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to sweep the Triple Crown. A chance at history means big business, and it would add to the expected huge crowd at Belmont on June 11.
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Those working at area hotels and restaurants have their fingers crossed that Animal Kingdom takes the Preakness, and we spoke with folks around the area who are betting that their horse is the one in the winner's circle.
"I have to go with the winner of the Kentucky Derby (Animal Kingdom), I knew the trainer [Graham Motion] growing up," said Jack Schnellberg of Bethpage.
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"Animal Kingdom's the best horse in the race," according to Al Cassillo of Massapequa. "The reason why he was 20-1 in the Derby was because he never raced on regular dirt, but he proved he can, proved he was the best horse then, and he'll be the best horse tomorrow."
Of course, there was an array of opinions as to who will emerge victorious.
"I like Dialed In for one reason, he was coming on late in the Derby," Nick Seminario of Bethpage said. "Not only that, there's a $ 5 million bonus for the horse, so I think the jockey is going to give a little extra to try and get that ten percent."
Mike from Commack: "I'm going for Sway Away, he works hard, he should've been in the Derby."
Mike Diguiseppi from Massapequa Park: "I'm going for Dialed In, I just like the horse, also I just found out that [wrestling great] Macho Man Randy Savage died, I think people might be hitting Mucho Macho Man as well, out of respect."
Mike from New Hyde Park: "I'm going for Shackleford based on something I read, I [admittedly] don't know much about horses."
"Dialed In, I think he's the best horse in the race, he was up the track in the Derby ... I don't think Animal Kingdom's that good," said Craig Mandel from Melville.
"I pick by what I read," said George from Whitestone, who is placing bets for several family members. "I've got Astrology, Isn't He Perfect, it's just a shot in the dark."
The sentimenal favorite is definitely Animal Kingdom.
"I'm going to take [him] because I took him in the Derby, and my son loves him, even though the odds are now 2-1 I'm going to take him," said Jon Smith of Babylon.
And the odds are if Animal Kingdom wins at Pimlico, there will be a lot celebrating on Long Island in anticipation of a big day in three weeks at Belmont.
