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Best Bets for Preakness Stakes: Picks for Win, Place & Show

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in Horse Racing News

Updated May 18, 2024 · 6:55 AM PDT

Kentucky Derby contender Just Steel on the track for a workout Thursday morning
Kentucky Derby contender Just Steel on the track for a workout Thursday morning at Churchill Downs April 25, 2024 in Louisville, Ky. Trainer for Just Steel is D. Wayne Lukas. It's Lukas' first Derby since 2018. He's won four Kentucky Derbys, six Preakness Stakes and four Belmont Stakes.
  • We’ve made our best bets for the 2024 Preakness Stakes on Saturday
  • Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan is currently the favorite at +250
  • Read below for Preakness Stakes winner picks, place and show bets, along with odds

The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The second leg of the Triple Crown will feature an exciting showdown between some of the top three-year-old thoroughbreds in the nation.

The race is scheduled to start at 7:01 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC, with coverage beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

There’s been a shake-up in the morning line favorites, as Muth, initially the top pick at 8-5 (+160) odds, was scratched due to a fever.

This means Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan is now the favorite at 5-2 (+250) odds. Keep an eye on other strong contenders like Imagination (+500), Catching Freedom (+600), and Tuscan Gold (+800).

Best Bet to Win the Preakness Stakes

When it comes to picking the Preakness Stakes winner, Tuscan Gold stands out as the best bet. Trained by Chad Brown, who has already won the Preakness twice with slightly late-blooming horses, Tuscan Gold fits a similar profile.

He finished third in his stakes debut at the Louisiana Derby, showing promise for improvement. With the advantage of racing fresh compared to his rivals who competed in the grueling Kentucky Derby just two weeks ago, Tuscan Gold could take a step forward and have a strong say in the outcome.

At 8-1 odds, he offers excellent value for bettors looking to back the potential Preakness Stakes winner. Tuscan Gold’s connections and racing style make him an appealing choice for those seeking a solid win bet. A simple $10 wager would return $80 in profit if successful.

Best Preakness Stakes Win Bet: Tuscan Gold (+800)

Preakness Stakes Place Bet Prediction

For a reliable place bet in the Preakness Stakes, look no further than Imagination. This Bob Baffert-trained colt has been incredibly consistent, finishing in the exacta in all six of his career starts,

He has earned two victories and secured four second-place finishes, demonstrating his consistent ability to perform at a high level. Although Baffert’s other entry, Muth, was scratched, Imagination still has the talent and the trainer’s expertise behind him to secure a top-two finish in the Preakness Stakes.

At 6-1 (600) odds, Imagination is a smart place bet for those looking to capitalize on his reliability. With his ability to consistently finish in the top two, Imagination offers a level of security for bettors who want to minimize risk while still having a strong chance at a solid return.

Best Preakness Stakes Place Bet: Imagination

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Preakness Stakes Show Bet Prediction

Don’t count out Just Steel for a show bet in the Preakness Stakes odds, despite his 17th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Just Steel set a blistering pace in the Derby before tiring in the stretch.

However, the shorter distance of the Preakness and a more patient ride from jockey Joel Rosario could make a world of difference.

Just Steel has already proven his ability to compete at a high level, having beaten Mystik Dan convincingly in the Arkansas Derby two starts back. At generous odds of 15-1 (1500), Just Steel has the potential to outrun his price and sneak into the top three, making him an attractive show bet in the Preakness Stakes.

His previous success against Mystik Dan and the potential for a more strategically paced ride suggests that he could surprise many and secure a top-three finish. Steel is being undervalued at +1500 and has a substantial payout on a show bet, making him a horse to watch closely in the Preakness Stakes odds.

Best Preakness Stakes Show Bet: Just Steel

Odds to Win Preakness Stakes 2024

Horse Name ML Trainer
Mystik Dan 5-2 (+250) Kenny McPeek
Imagination 5-1 (+500) Bob Baffert
Catching Freedom 6-1 (+600) Brad Cox
Tuscan Gold 8-1 (+800) Chad Brown
Seize the Grey 15-1 (+1500) D. Wayne Lukas
Just Steel 15-1 (+1500) D. Wayne Lukas
Mugatu 20-1 (+2000) Jeff Engler
Uncle Heavy 20-1 (+2000) Robert Reid, Jr.

*Note: Muth was scratched from the race.

Odds as of May 17 at Twin Spires. 

With Muth out of the picture, the Preakness Stakes odds have shifted, putting Mystik Dan in the favorite spot at 5-2 (+250). The Kentucky Derby winner is aiming to become the 14th Triple Crown winner and the first since Justify in 2018.

However, recent history hasn’t been kind to Preakness favorites, with Justify being the last one to win in 2018.

Other top contenders to watch include Imagination (+600), Catching Freedom (+600), and Tuscan Gold (+800). These horses are ready to give Mystik Dan a run for his money and potentially upset the favorite in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling Preakness Stakes.

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