Preakness Stakes 2011: With Nehro Out, Which Horse Can Knock off Animal Kingdom?

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Who Will Win the 2011 Preakness Stakes?

News came out yesterday that owner Ahmed Zayat decided to pull Nehro from the 2011 Preakness Stakes. He was considered the horse to be able to knock off Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom.

Nehro will race at the Belmont Stakes, but now the Preakness Stakes odds lean even more towards Animal Kingdom. Brad Weisbord, the finance and racing manager for Zayat Stables told reporters that it wasn't an easy decision for Zayat. Per Preakness.com:

It was a very tough decision to make. Mr. Zayat loves coming to Baltimore and really thinks a lot of the Preakness race, but what it came down to is we decided to err on the side of caution to give the horse a little more time between his Derby and his next race.

MUST READ: Who Are the Experts Picking for the 2011 Preakness Stakes?

Animal Kingdom is the favorite with 5-2 odds. Dialed In and Mucho Macho Man are right behind him at 6-1. Dance City, who did not ride in the Kentucky Derby, has seen his odds increase after the departure of Nehro to 8-1.

I would go with Mucho Macho Man here because he showed great strides at the Kentucky Derby. He is also doing well in pre runs this week. It's also nice to root for the storyline here. The horse was born not moving and many didn't think he would make it until he jumped up and took off running.

Dialed In was the favorite at the Kentucky Derby, but never looked promising during the race. That could all change this weekend.

Animal Kingdom is getting all the love, but he came out of nowhere to win the Derby. Who's to say that won't happen again at the 2011 Preakness Stakes.

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