First of all, the Derby had 10 more horses, and the Preakness was run in a monsoon, which makes it more likely some horses will just spit it out (especially on 2 weeks rest). You won't find too many figure makers (or handicappers) who think lots of horses will run better than ever under those circumstances.

Second, I think we discussed this after the Derby. The only other way of doing it would have had NO horses running new tops, based on the more than one point definition used in the studies. So either way it would have come up a little out of the norm, better or worse.

From a figure making point of view, horses pairing tops is a good thing. If you can show me a way to pair more of them in the Preakness I would love to see it.