I thought about how someone might apply game theory for trying to determine pace in a large field. We all already know that larger fields distort pace, but as with the Derby, there were only a few serious pace players (some those who weren't chose to try and get closer though) so the "game" had fewer decision makers. In game theory, you can have coalitions, too, as with a trainer with two entries or jockeys who are in cahoots.

With this Preakness race, though, the favorite has to decide how slow to go to avoid a pace collapse before risking having the race stolen on the front.

It's not a zero-sum game in that some awards are made for placing, but the equilibrium (the most likely outcome for pace), I believe, is when everyone feels they have the best chance.

Leamas