LISTEN: Handicapper Brad Thomas Breaks Down The Preakness Field
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Horse racing handicapper Brad Thomas says Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist is the likeliest horse to win the Preakness on Saturday. But if there were an upset, who has the best shot?
In an interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa on Friday, Thomas said he likes Cherry Wine best among the rest.
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"I love his looks," Thomas said. "He's rough-and-ready looking. He's the type of horse that's going to improve with racing and seasoning. He's finally at the right point in his form cycle with very, very good spacing. I think he has a legit upset chance at a huge price."
As of Friday, Cherry Wine's odds were at 20-to-1.
As for the undefeated Nyquist (3-to-5 odds), Thomas said: "The only way he loses is if the post position causes some uncertainty pace-wise for him or causes him to get shuffled."
Thomas called it "disgraceful" that horses such as Suddenbreakingnews, Destin and Gun Runner are being held out of the Preakness.
"I do think these horses need to run," he said. "I know it's hard as an owner to say, 'I'm going to run in this race after I lost the (Kentucky) Derby. It makes more sense for me to point for the Belmont.' But I'm telling you championship racing, to me, should be about constantly testing the best against the best, to truly prove who the best in the breed is and who has the best potential breeding stock."
Thomas gave his opinion on each of the 11 horses in the race. To hear the interview, click on the audio player above.