By Buffalo66

This Preakness has a small field this year with only nine runners. There’s also a heavy favorite in Derby winner Orb.

Orb got the first post position on the rail.  Unfortunately, only once in the last 52 races has the winner come from that spot.

I like taking value for an upset on this race.  Assuming the track is good/fast, there might be a challenger to Orb.

I’m taking #6 Oxbow to win.  Also a superfecta box: 1-4-6-7-9.

Picks by Buffalo66

NHL Playoffs:

Penguins -0.5 in regulation time (-117).

After a glorious sweat last night I lost as the Rangers could never pot a third goal.

Tonight it’s all about the Penguins.  Crosby seems to be in game shape and Vokoun has answered the call to be a #1 goalie.  I think Ottawa can steal a game or two in this series but it’s really just how long can they hold on.

I expect Pittsburgh to cover the puck line but just in case I’m hedging a bit.

I’m taking Penguins -0.5 in regulation time (-117). 

Picks by Buffalo66

MLB:

Nationals (-133 ML)

I lost last night as Strasburg dealt through eight innings.

I’m going right back to the Nats/Padres series.  Gio Gonzalez has a deceptively high ERA, mostly from one bad outing.  He’s coming off two quality starts and Washington has Bryce Harper back in the lineup.

San Diego is throwing green rookie starter Burch Smith to the proverbial lions tonight.

I’m taking Nationals ML (-133). 

Picks by Buffalo66

NHL Playoffs:

NY Rangers OVER 2.5 goals (team total +121).

I lost last night when the Wings collapsed in the 3rd period.

I’m officially on a losing streak but I feel good about tonight’s pick.  Boston has suddenly become the walking wounded, with 3 of the top 6 D-men out for tonight.  Brad Marchand is also injured but expected to play.

I realize the Rangers had trouble scoring on the road versus Washington, but this is a different match-up.  I expect a huge size advantage for the NYR forwards will generate scoring chances.

Also the Rangers put up 4 goals in 2 of the 3 regular season meetings.

I’m taking Rangers OVER 2.5 goals (team total +121).

Picks by Buffalo66

MLB:

S.D. Padres +128 ML

I cashed last night on the Sox as David Price struggled at home.

Tonight I like a home dog.  Stephen Strasburg is in the longest winless streak of his career.  And tonight he faces a San Diego team that has put up 11 runs in the first two games of the series.  The new “smaller” Petco park has been good to the Padres offense.

SD is 13-6 in their last 19 overall.

I’m taking Padres ML. (+128).