Everyone knows how pretty I am already.....
In my opinion, Hard Spun did get to take advantage of using his preferred front-running tactics, and he also had the advantage of racing over the slightly favorable inside path.
However, Hard Spun earned BOTH the clear early lead, and rail position, because he ran very fast early to achieve both.
Everyone knew the pace would be to Street Sense's benefit going in, and the same should apply to the Preakness.
However Street Sense did not earn his trip. IMO, it was a combination of what will be remembered as a historically great ride, combined with the misjudgement of a few other jockeys (Zanjero's especially) that allowed him to pass 16 horses without leaving the rail.
Now, deep closers are ALMOST NEVER supposed to get trips like that--and Street Sense has three of them in his last four races. Why? IMO, because he has a jocked who's both commited to riding the rail and skilled at it. And also importantly...Street Sense has an uncommonly good turn-of-foot (by far his best asset) that allows him to take advantage of an opening, before it has time to close on him.
Just like in the Derby---I believe he can win the Preakness if he gets his trip, if he doesn't get his trip, I think he'll finish 2nd or 3rd....and I REALLY don't think he'll get his trip this time...though, I said the same going into the Derby.
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