BALTIMORE — Doug O’Neill couldn’t have done any better if he picked Nyquist’s post position himself.

After Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist landed the No. 3 post for the Preakness in a blind draw Wednesday, O’Neill looked like a man with a winning lottery ticket.

“The 3 is exactly what I wanted,” O’Neill said. “... We’re very optimistic that we’re going to break good and get into position.”

Unbeaten in eight races, Nyquist was made the overwhelming 3-5 favorite among 11 horses in Saturday’s race.

His selection as the best horse in the field was justified, according to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who will saddle new shooter Collected.

“I’d probably be surprised if he didn’t win,” Baffert said about Nyquist. “He’s going to be tough to beat.”