The race for the Triple Crown continues this week with the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Following the pressure and tension of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is much more of a laid-back party atmosphere. The second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown is a favorite of many horsemen, including Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lucas. But for this week’s trainers and jockeys, the 2024 Preakness Stakes will have the pressure and demands of a Grade 1 classic. And for Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and crew, there is Triple Crown immortality on the line.
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 Odds
Muth 11-10, Mystik Dan 3-1, Tuscan Gold 5-1, Imagination 5-1, Just Steel 10-1, Seize the Gray 10-1, Copper Tax 16-1, Uncle Heavy 20-1, Mugatu 33-1
2024 Preakness Stakes Bookmaker Overview
Following his suspension from competing at the Kentucky Derby, controversial trainer Bob Baffert will enter two horses on Saturday. Namely, Muth is the favorite for the 2024 Preakness Stakes. And another Baffert horse, Imagination, has a realistic shot at the Black Eyed Susans. Of course, Baffert has long been a target of the horse racing media and industry because too many of his horses died under his watch due to mysterious circumstances. Additionally, too many Baffert horses have flunked drug tests in the past.
Since 2021, Baffert has been sideways with the sport. That year, Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit fluked a drug test. It was Baffert’s fifth violation in 13 months. Baffert denied all and vowed to fight the results to the end. But Churchill Downs suspended Baffert. Furthermore, Baffert’s problems continued when Medina Spirit died on December 6, 2021. It was the 74th horse to die in Baffert’s stables since 2000.
2024 Preakness Stakes Bookmaker Top Favorites
Muth 11/10
First among the favorites at the 149th Preakness Stakes is Muth. Beyond the obvious connection to Bob Baffert, Muth has a strong record of success that will draw betting action. Last time out, Muth was the winner at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on March 30, 2024. Previously, Muth was the winner of the Grade 2 San Vicente at Santa Anita. On November 3, 2023, Muth finished second at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile held at Santa Anita. On October 7, 2023, Muth was the winner of the Grade 1 American Pharoah held at Santa Anita. Of course, that race is named after Baffert’s Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah.
Mystik Dan 3-1
Compared to Bob Baffert, Kenneth McPeek is not as well-known as a trainer. But McPeek is one of the most accomplished trainers in the sport as a winner of all three American Classics, including the 2020 Preakness Stakes and the 2024 Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan. Mystik Dan was not a favorite at the Kentucky Derby but was a profitable winner at $39.22 by taking the wire in a breathtaking photo finish. Previously, Mystik Dan finished third at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on March 30, 2024. Before that, on February 3, 2024, Mystik Dan was the winner of the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
Tuscan Gold 5-1
Yet another top trainer, Chad Brown, will lead Tuscan Gold to the starting gate at Pimlico. Brown is a 4-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Trainer. He has two Preakness Stakes wins for his career, including a win in 2022. Tuscan Gold has only three races in his career and should be fresh. Last time out, Tuscan Gold finished 3rd at the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fairgrounds on March 23, 2024.
Imagination 5-1
Imagination, the other Baffert horse, is coming off a 2nd place finish at the Santa Antia Derby on April 6, 2024, at Santa Anita. Previously, Imagination won the Grade 2 San Felipe on March 3, 2024, at Santa Anita.
Bookmaker 2024 Preakness Stakes Free Picks
Tuscan Gold should offer the combination of a quality horse, a top trainer, and a good price for the Preakness.
Bookmaker 2024 Preakness Stakes Best Bets: Tuscan Gold
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