Preakness Stakes 2011 Contenders: Mucho Macho Man Carries Kentucky Derby Momentum

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A late surge and strong finish at the 2011 Kentucky Derby has Mucho Macho Man in a prime position heading into the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Mucho Macho Man came up just short, finishing in third behind Animal Kingdom and Nehro, but showed positive signs in the Derby. This week, he's back and ready to run again in the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Mucho Macho Man became a trendy pick ahead of the Kentucky Derby and showed why at Churchill Downs. A trip to the winner's circle wasn't in store, but may be on Saturday in the Preakness Stakes.

The big youngster from the Kathy Ritvo barn may not have actually be three-years-old yet, but he proved his heart and talent through his strong finish in the Derby. A few more strides and he is second in Louisville; any improvement in Baltimore makes him a big contender.

At 6-1, Mucho Macho Man currently holds the third-best odds in the field, though the morning line won't be revealed until the post positions are drawn later this week. Keep an eye on the early action Mucho Macho Man receives as it should be a sign of how bettors feel about his Kentucky Derby run and chances at the Preakness Stakes.

The 2011 Preakness Stakes gets underway on May 21 at Pimlico racetrack. Stay with our 2011 Preakness Stakes StoryStream for odds, contender profiles, post positions and more. To look back at the Derby, check out SB Nation's 2011 Kentucky Derby StoryStream. Also, our horse racing blog And Down The Stretch They Come has two must-read resources for Derby and Preakness fans: A Beginner's Guide To Following Horse Racing and a glossary of horse racing terms.