Post time for the 146th Preakness at Pimlico Race Course is at 5:47 PM CT on NBC. Interesting Preakness with all the theatrics created by trainer Bob Baffert and his thoroghbred, Medina Spirit, which is still in limbo on whether he won the Derby as a drug test came back positive last week by Derby officials and they’ll know in the next couple of weeks if there is another positive and if the horse will be DQ’d and if second place finisher Mandoloun will be declared the winner. Meanwhile, Medina Spirit was approved by the Baltimore Racing Commission to race in the Preakness. So very interesting storyline as the horse attempts to continue his alleged pursuit of the Triple Crown. The questionable Baffert will not be in attendance, but will have 2 horses running. Along with Medina Spirit, Concert Tour will run.

Here are the post positions, horses, the trainers, the jockeys and each horses odds of winning the Preakness.

1. Ram, D. Wayne Lucas (trainer), Ricardo Santana Jr. jockey. 11-1. The great Lukas, in his mid 80’s tries to capture another triple crown race.

2. Keepmeinmind, Roberto Diodoro, David Cohen, 6-1.

3. Medina Spirit, Baffert, John Valasquez, 5-2.

4. Crowded Train, Chad Brown, Javier Castellano, 10-1

5. Midnight Bourbon, Steve Ausmussen, Irad Ortiz, Jr. 3-1

6. Rombauer, Mike McCarthy, Flavien Prat, 12-1

7. France Go de Ina, Hideyuki Mon, Joel Rosario, 20-1

8. Unbridled Honor, Todd Pletcher, Luis Saez, 15-1

9. Risk Taking, Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz, 15-1

10. Concert Tour, Baffert, Mike Smith, 5-1

The fellas have already made their picks so I’m posting them.

1.Derrick Henry O’Neal, Risk Taking, 15-1

2. Bama Golf, Midnight Bourbon, 3-1, Bama was bullish on him a week before the Derby. He’s bullish on the drink as well.

3.Brownie, Concert Tour, @ 5-1. Brownie also did a box of 3/5/9/10

4. Walter, Concert Tour as well. Box of 10, 5 and 6.

White’s World, I’m going to take cagy veteran trainer Todd Pletcher and veteran jockey Luis Saez to win aboard Unbridled Honor at 15-1. Pletcher has won several triple crown races and he is a trainer with integrity and a winner. Baffert is a winner, but the first part of that equation could be lacking. Taking the talented trainer, jockey and their thoroughbred.

Hoping SMU can get in on this. Will post winner Monday on the Auburn Football 2021 column. Will have Auburn as promised. Sorry a little late.

Stanley Cup predictions

Conference Finals

Pittsburgh Penguins over Carolina Hurricanes in 7

Colorado Avalanche over Toronto Maple Leafs in 6

Stanley Cup Final Prediction

I’ll take the great Sydney Crosby and the Penguins in a war over the Avs.

Give me,

Penguins over Avalanche in 7

Stanley Cup Champion: Pittsburgh Penguins

Conn Smythe Award winner: Sydney Crosby, Most Valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The action starts tonight with the Boston Bruins at the Washington Capitals at 6:15 PM CT on NBC. NBC, NBC Sports Network, USA Network, the NHL Network and CNBC will broadcast with NBC carrying the Stanley Cup Finals sometime in June, to be determined.

Nothing like the electricity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In my opinion, the most exciting playoffs in professional sports.