2011 Preakness Stakes Favorites: 5 Horses Most Likely to Upset Animal Kingdom

The  2011 Preakness is only a few days away, yet it seems that every other day, another horse that was likely to beat Animal Kingdom has been scratched. Today, it was Nehro, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby.

There are still 14 horses in the field, but there are only four others who raced in the Kentucky Derby and know Animal Kingdom well. Despite this, there are still many horses that have a chance to upset him.

While I think there are a few that are out of their element, I also think many can take out the derby winner. Here are the top five horses with the possibility to notch an upset.

5. King Congie

King Congie has two wins in six races, and has been particularly good on longer tracks. But that is not why I see this horse as one who could upset Animal Kingdom.

King Congie's jockey, Robby Albarado, was slated to ride Animal Kingdom before injury. He just missed out on riding a derby winner, and he's going to be looking for revenge. Outrunning the horse that he should've been on would certainly be satisfactory revenge.

4. Sway Away

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 04: Sway Away trains during the morning exercise runs session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Sway Away has a surprisingly large following, despite the fact that the horse has yet to win a major race. He does have one win in five career starts, though it was a five furlong maiden race.

Just missing out on the Kentucky Derby, however, will certainly fuel a fire within the horse and the trainer. He's been able to get better as the races get longer, and a switch in jockeys may make him even better.

3. Shackleford

Al Bello/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 05: Shackleford trains during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Shackleford led for much of the Kentucky Derby, yet let up down the stretch and ended up finishing fourth. Is Shackleford going to let Animal Kingdom pass him again?

There's no question that the horse and jockey will do what they can to keep him from stretching out and grabbing the lead. They've held the lead for a good portion of the race once before, and they can do it again.

2. Astrology

Astrology has been good throughout his entire career, and is the one horse to watch in the Preakness that was not a participant in the Kentucky Derby.

Aside from having a great pedigree, Astrology has ridden many one-plus mile races and done well in all of them. He's not a horse that is gong to let Animal Kingdom break free. The jockey will definitely be keeping an eye on him.

1. Mucho Macho Man

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 05: Kentucky Derby entrant Mucho Macho Man with exercise rider Mike Heera up works during morning workouts in preparation for the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2011 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo

While Dialed In was the betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby, most sportswriters were placing their bets on Mucho Macho Man. Those that bet the trifecta at least got a little back, as he finished third.

Mucho Macho Man has finished in the top three seven of nine career races, but finished third in both big derbies. He's not going to let Animal Kingdom pass him again, and if anyone can break through with Nehro out of the picture, it's this horse.