The 150th Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be an exciting race, despite the absence of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner. His team has decided to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont Stakes instead. This opens the door for other contenders to shine and potentially stake their claim in the three-year-old division. While some may be disappointed by Sovereignty’s absence, there’s still plenty to look forward to in this year’s Preakness.
Redemption in Baltimore?
Journalism, the beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby, is once again the morning line favorite for the Preakness. He finished second to Sovereignty in the Derby, showing his potential for greatness. With a smaller field and some uncertainties surrounding the other horses, Journalism has a good chance to prove himself in Baltimore. The real question for bettors is whether his odds offer good value. At 8-5, he could be a steal, but history shows that beaten Derby favorites don’t always perform well in the Preakness. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off for those willing to take a chance.
Kings of Baltimore
Trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas have a long history of success at the Preakness. Baffert holds the record for the most wins in the race, while Lukas isn’t far behind. This year, Baffert is sending out Goal Oriented, a horse with limited experience but plenty of potential. Lukas, on the other hand, is running American Promise, a long shot with something to prove. Both trainers have a knack for bringing out the best in their horses, so it will be interesting to see how their contenders perform on race day.
Derby-skippers and Dark Horses
In recent years, Derby-skippers have had a lot of success at the Preakness. These horses sit out the Kentucky Derby and aim for Baltimore instead, a strategy that has paid off more often than not. Clever Again and River Thames are two such contenders to watch out for. Clever Again has shown flashes of brilliance in his races, while River Thames has the speed and stamina to make a strong showing. With the field wide open, these dark horses could surprise everyone and come out on top. As the race approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, making the 150th Preakness Stakes a must-watch event for horse racing fans everywhere.
