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Always Dreaming, Gunnevera highlight Preakness experts picks

Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports

Ten horses will vie for the second jewel of the Triple Crown in Saturday's 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course.

Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, who was installed as the 4-5 favorite Wednesday, highlights the competitive field. Derby runner-up Lookin At Lee (10-1), fourth-place finisher Classic Empire (3-1), and five colts who didn't compete in the Run for the Roses will try to halt Always Dreaming's quest to become the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown.

theScore has gathered the opinions of five horse-racing insiders to give their picks for the race:

Dawn Lupul, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Top pick: Always Dreaming

"He came out of the Derby looking fantastic and has the perfect running style for this race. The draw worked out perfectly for him, too."

Long shot: Gunnevera

"My Derby pick lost all chances when the track came up sloppy. Hope for fast conditions and a fast pace for this closer to take advantage of in the Preakness."

Gene Kershner, The Buffalo News

Top pick: Classic Empire

"I think the 2-year-old champ turns the tables on the Derby winner for Team Casse. Solid post position and a troubled start at the Derby could spell a bounce-back effort."

Long shot: Conquest Mo Money

"He could steal the race on the front end with the potential lack of pace early."

Acacia Courtney, Gulfstream Park

Top pick: Always Dreaming

"The Todd Pletcher trainee is sure to be a short priced favorite, but I liked him before both the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby, and I'm sticking with him. He's been training exceptionally well at Pimlico, and looks ready to go for the big day."

Long shot: Gunnevera

"After finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby, Gunnevera is hoping to rebound in the Preakness. His running style was to his disadvantage in the Derby, and it was hard for him to make up any significant ground off the rail. Training at Pimlico, he has looked sharper and fitter than he did in Kentucky, and should have a better pace scenario in order to make an impact."

Rob Longley, Toronto Sun

Top pick: Classic Empire

"Side-swiped at the start of the Derby, the 2-year-old champ never had a chance to run his race but was still strong in the stretch. He may even be more fit for Round 2."

Long shot: Gunnevera

"Got lost in the shuffle in Kentucky, and, with a decent trip at Old Hilltop, may be able to flash the form that made him live on the board at Churchill."

Brian DiDonato, Thoroughbred Daily News

Top pick: Always Dreaming

"I hate to go with the favorite, but there really aren't many knocks against him. Granted, returning on quick rest isn't trainer Todd Pletcher's strong suit, but the Derby winner seems to have been left with something in reserve, and he figures to sit an advantageous up-close trip."

Long shot: Hence

"He was all the rage as a potential upsetter heading into the Derby, but was bounced around repeatedly and just never had a fair chance. He'll likely work out a much smoother journey in this smaller field, and could make an impact at a nice price."

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