2012 Preakness Contenders: Optimizer

Horse: Optimizer
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Pedigree: By English Channel out of an A.P. Indy mare (Indy Pick)
Career Record: 10-1-2-1
Career Earnings: $215,594
Notable Races: G1-Kentucky Derby (11^th);G1-Arkansas Derby (9^th); G2-Rebel (2^nd); G2-Risen Star (9^th); G2-Kentucky Jockey Club (4^th); G1-Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (8^th); G1-Breeders’ Futurity (3^rd); G2-With Anticipation (2^nd)

Can He win The Preakness?

Optimizer has won just a single race in his career and it came on the lawn in his debut race at Saratoga last August. He didn’t put in much of a run at the Derby and, honestly, doesn’t look like a colt that’s ready to run a big race at this level any time soon.

Given his deep closing running style, Optimizer needs a fast early pace and very tired rivals to have any shot at an upset in the Preakness. However, unlike the Derby, the Preakness appears to lack a ton of early speed horses which will likely lead to much more reasonable early fractions. A deep closer in a race with a moderate pace is not a combination for success.