Nehro, one of the top thoroughbred colts of the 2011 Triple-Crown season who finished second to Animal Kingdom in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, will not run in the Preakness Stakes this weekend according to his owner, Ahmed Zayat. Prior to the scratch, Nehro was coming off at 5-to-1 Preakness Stakes Odds at most horse books.
"It's a very hard decision, but I want to err on the side of caution, he couldn't look any better," Zayet said. Zayett indicated he would focus on next month's Belmont Stakes.
A big reason why Nehro sits this one out is because of recent work load. The colt raced three times in a six week span, finishing second in the Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky Derbies.
"I want to be super-cautious. I want to keep him happy and healthy for the rest of the year," Zayat commented. "We are in a great position to have a horse who can run in these classics. We will point now for the Belmont, God willing."
With Nehro out, the top Preakness Stakes Odds makers favorites are 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom at 2-to-1 odds, Dialed-In (5-to-1); Mucho Macho Man (13-to-2); Dance City (8-to-1) and Shackleford (8-to-1).
Early Preakness Picks: Turn your focus to Shackleford at 8/1 odds. We feel this colt will perform well on the shorter track. If you remember, Shackleford led most of the way in the Kentucky Derby before giving way late. Given the distance of the Preakness, if he show's the same stuff out of the gate he could win.
With Nehro a scratch; most horse books have adjusted odds for Saturday's Preakness Stakes. Posted are odds currently on the BetUS.com Preakness board. Bettors take note that some horses are not officially entered in the race but listed as alternates.
Animal Kingdom – 5-2
Dialed In – 9-2
Mucho Macho Man 6-1
Shackleford 8-1
Astrology 12-1
Concealed Identity 25-1
Dance City 9-1
King Congie 20-1
Mr Commons 20-1
Norman Asbjornson 15-1
Sway Away 15-1
Flashpoint 14-1
Isn't He Perfect 40-1
Midnight Interlude 20-1
Ruler On Ice 30-1
Saratoga Red 45-1
