Preakness Stakes, 147th Running at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore
Saturday, May 21, Post Time 7:01 p.m. ET
After one of the biggest underdog upsets in the history of the Kentucky Derby, the horse racing world turns its attention to the next leg of the triple crown: the Preakness Stakes. This year is the 147th running of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, and it promises to be just as exciting as the first leg. With surprise Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, out of the field, Epicenter sits at the top of the odds board for the race. Can Epicenter avenge his disappointing loss at Churchill Downs? Or will we see another major upset this weekend? Here are our best bets for the Preakness Stakes!
Epicenter (6-5)
There is a reason he was the favorite in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. He is strong, fast, and has finished races strong all year. He has a great jockey in Joel Rosario, and if it weren’t for a miracle come from behind finish by Rich Strike we would be talking about Epicenter as the Kentucky Derby winner. Do we like the odds of Epicenter? Obviously taking a longer shot horse to win would payout better. Sometimes the odds are made this way for a reason though, and Epicenter should be the clear runaway favorite. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way, but unless we see two miracle finishes in a few weeks, lay a bet on Epicenter as the safest choice to win the Preakness.
Secret Oath (9-2)
Don’t count this young filly out just because she’s a girl! Secret Oath has explosive speed and can more than handle her own against colts her age. She’s won five out of her eight career races including three of four this season which means she’s coming into the Preakness in fine form. When Secret Oath wins, she also wins big. So far this season her wins have been by more than 16 lengths ahead of her competition. What she lacks in burst out of the gates she more than makes up for with her late race speed. She might be the only one that can match Epicenter’s habit of closing out the last half of races, so if there’s one horse to bet on to pull a Rich Strike, it’s Secret Oath.
Fenwick (50-1)
You want a long shot like Rich Strike was in the Kentucky Derby? Anytime an even race can provide 50-1 odds, it’s worth placing a small bet on. Fenwick is fine, he’s not a spectacular race horse but he has the power to at least keep up with the field. What might give him an edge is his new jockey, Florent Geroux. Serious horse bettors might recognize the name as the winning jockey in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. He’s coming on as a jockey and has been in the top ten jockey earners in five of the past six years. If you want a longshot to throw some beer money on, make a wager with Fenwick and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Charlie M.
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