Preakness 2011: Will This Be Dance City’s Breakthrough Race?

Preakness 2011 Has Dance City Champing at the Bit

Dance City is the wild card in this year’s Preakness, primarily because he’s shown promise (finishing in the money in four starts), but hasn’t had much success getting past that hump.

At the Arkansas Derby, Dance City finished third, but he was barely edged out by runner-up Nehro, who placed second at the Kentucky Derby behind Animal Kingdom.

If Dance City had won at the Arkansas Derby, he would have had enough earning to run the Kentucky Derby.

Instead, Dance City has had a bit of a layoff before today’s Preakness.

But his 12-1 odds to win seem a bit far-fetched.

Sure, he’s no Animal Kingdom, Dialed In or Mucho Macho Man, but there are indications that he can be...as early as the Preakness.

This year’s Preakness figures to start off strong at the gate, which could work out for Dance City, who doesn’t appear to have the confidence of a champion yet but would do well to streak ahead of a fast field early.

Dance City is a bit wild at the gates, but if he can harness his energy in the beginning stretch, he does have the speed to pull away early and have enough to edge out Animal Kingdom and Dialed In in particular, who love coming from behind.

Not to mention he has trainer Todd Pletcher and Jockey of the Year Ramon Dominguez in his corner.

I wouldn’t call Dance City a favorite, but I do think if you’re going to bet on a darkhorse you bet on Dance City with no hesitation.

-Ryan Rudnansky

For analysis of the Preakness Stakes results, including a look ahead to the Belmont Stakes, stay tuned to Bleacher Report.