When I Want Revenge was scratched from the 2009 Kentucky Derby, all eyes quickly shifted to the Larry Jones trained colt Friesan Fire. The 3-year-old swiftly became the favorite to win the 135th Run for the Roses; however, Louisville glory was not to be as the formidable horse's rough start led to an 18th place finish. Fire will attempt to rebound this week, but without the fanfare of being the favorite. That distinction will go to filly Rachel Alexandra, who is currently listed at 5/4 odds at Bodog.com.
The 134th running of the Preakness Stakes will take place this Saturday, May 16th at 4:30pm ET (NBC) at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
2009 Preakness Bets at Bodog.com have Friesan Fire at 13/2 odds to win the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.
Prior to the Kentucky Derby, Friesan Fire had dominated the dirt course at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana. His performance on the often muddy conditions at the Fair Grounds led many to believe that he would glide around the 1 1/4 mile oval at Churchill Downs. That prospect, however, was not to be as the colt got banged around out of the gate and quickly fell out of contention.
Friesan Fire, who has had time to recover from being dinged up in Louisville, began practicing at Pimlico this week. If his Tuesday morning run was any indication, he might have a shot at the lion's share of the $1 million prize come Saturday afternoon. Fire turned in a five furlong time of 58 2/5 seconds.
Jones suggested to the Preakness.com that he was pleased with the horse's workout.
"All went well. He warmed up really good for it," Jones said. "You put the blinders on him, he gets focused and wants to start rolling; he finished up well."
Twenty-one year old jockey Gabriel Saez, who rode Fire at the Derby, will also have the mount at the Preakness this weekend. Saez rode Proud Spell to the Kentucky Oaks crown in 2008 and he led Eight Belles to her second place finish in last year's Derby.
Saez and Friesan Fire teamed up for wins at the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby earlier this year, making it no surprise that they are a 2009 Preakness Bets favorite.
Bodog.com 2009 Preakness Bets:
Rachel Alexandra 5/4
Pioneerof the Nile 4/1
Mine That Bird 5/1
Friesan Fire 13/2
Papa Clem 10/1
General Quarters 10/1
Musket Man 10/1
Visit Bodog.com today to get down on your 2009 Preakness Bets. The online bookmaker is currently offering a $50 Casino Chip bonus to anyone who wagers on the Preakness Stakes.
