As per usual, compared to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, the 2024 Preakness Stakes has a much smaller lineup. The Preakness is often skipped by Kentucky Derby losers who no longer have a shot at immortality and the Triple Crown. On the other hand, the 2024 Preakness Stakes board will show some new horses who should be fresh after skipping the Run for the Roses. As a result of the smaller field, there are significantly fewer longshot choices on the board. Or make those huge paying long shots. But value opportunities abound. And the quality of horses remains high.
Let’s look at top Preakness Stakes Betting favorites for Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Horse Racing Betting Lines
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the 2024 Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Post time is set for 6:50 p.m. ET with television coverage on NBC.
2024 Preakness Stakes Bookmaker Overview
There are some unusual factors for handicappers to consider is the number of fresh horses that will take the starting gate at Pimlico on Saturday. First, the Preakness Stakes is a race notorious for potential ambushes from horses who skipped the Kentucky Derby. Such entries will have the benefit of rest and being fresh for the Preakness. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and his team will be under the most pressure. Mystik Dan must win the Preakness to have a shot at clinching the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes on June 8, 2024.
In sum, five horses opened at 10-1 or higher on the Preakness Stakes board. With a shorter field, there will be less potential congestion during the race compared to the Kentucky Derby and its logjams, especially out of the starting gate. Also, the Preakness Stakes is the shortest of the three Triple Crown races, at one and 3/16 miles.
2024 Preakness Stakes Top Bookmaker Values & Longshots
Just Steel 10-1
Just Steel could prove a good value play. He is trained by D. Wayne Lucas, who refuses to quit at the ripe age of 88. Lucas has always voiced his preference for the Preakness Stakes saying it is more fun with less pressure compared to the Kentucky Derby. Lucas has won the Preakness Stakes six times and is a 4-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Trainer.
Although Just Steel has had his moments in the past year, he flopped at the Kentucky Derby and finished 17th in the Run for the Roses. However, he flashed his Grade 1 bona fides in the race before that. On March 30, 2024, Just Steel finished 2nd at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. On February 24, 2024, at the Grade 2 Rebels Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Just Steel finished a disappointing 7th. But at the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes on February 3, 2024, Just Steel finished 2nd to Mystic Dan in a race held at Oaklawn Park.
Seize the Gray 10-1
Another Lucas-trained horse, Seize the Gray, is another attractive value opportunity. Seize the Gray enters the Preakness Stakes in good form. On May 4, 2024, Seize the Gray was the winner of the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile held at Churchill Downs. However, on April 6, 2024, Seize the Day finished a disappointing 7th at the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes held at Keeneland. And then at the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Stakes held at Turfway Park, Seize the Gra finished 3rd.
Copper Tax 16-1
Copper Tax has some momentum as well after an LS win at the Federico Tesio on April 20, 2024. That race was held at Laurel Park. Previously, on March 23, 2024, Copper tax won the LS Private Terms at Laurel Park. But at the Grade 3 Sam F Davis (10th) and Grade 2 Remsen (6th), Copper Tax did not fare as well.
Uncle Heavy 20-1
Last time out, Uncle Heavy finished 5th at the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct held on April 6, 2024. Previously, he won the Grade 2 Withers on February 3, 2024, at Aqueduct. Additionally, he won the RS Wait For It on December 27, 2023.
Mugatu 33-1
Mugatu is the biggest underdog with the 2024 Preakness Odds. Last time out on April 6, 2024, Mugatu finished 5th at the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He has never won a race.
Bookmaker 2024 Preakness Stakes Free Picks
Copper Tax offers good recent form and an attractive price.
Bookmaker 2024 Preakness Stakes Best Bets: Copper Tax
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