The Preakness Stakes is an American horse race held annually as part of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness Stakes is typically held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world. The race was first run in 1873, and has been held every year since. The inaugural running of the race was won by Survivor, who went on to win the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness has been held at Pimlico Race Course since 1909.
Notable Preakness Stakes Winners
The Preakness Stakes has produced some of the greatest names in horse racing history. Here are some of the most notable Preakness Stakes winners:
- Secretariat (1973): Secretariat became the first horse to break the two-minute mark in the Preakness Stakes, and went on to win the Triple Crown. He is widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
- Affirmed (1978): Affirmed became the 11th horse to win the Triple Crown, and the last horse to do so until American Pharoah did it 37 years later.
- American Pharoah (2015): American Pharoah won the Preakness Stakes, and went on to become the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown.
- Justify (2018): Justify won the Preakness Stakes, and went on to become the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown.
What are the Current Odds on the Preakness Stakes?
The odds for the Preakness Stakes change from year to year, as the field of horses competing in the race varies. Generally, the favorite horse in the race will have the lowest odds, while the least likely horse to win will have the highest odds.
2021 Preakness Stakes Odds
The 2021 Preakness Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, May 15 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Here are the current odds for the 2021 Preakness Stakes, as of April 28, 2021:
- Medina Spirit: 2-1
- Concert Tour: 7-2
- Essential Quality: 4-1
- Midnight Bourbon: 9-2
- Rombauer: 6-1
- Crowded Trade: 10-1
- France Go de Ina: 12-1
- Unbridled Honor: 15-1
- Risk Taking: 20-1
- Keepmeinmind: 25-1
Factors Affecting the Preakness Stakes Odds
There are several factors that can affect the odds on the Preakness Stakes. These include:
- The performance of the horses in the race: Horses that have performed well in past races will typically have lower odds than horses that have not performed as well.
- The jockey: The jockey’s experience and skill can have a significant impact on the odds of a horse. Jockeys with a long history of success typically have a higher chance of success.
- The track: The track conditions on the day of the race can have a major impact on the odds of a horse. If the track is fast, horses with high speed will be favored, while if the track is slow, horses with strong stamina will be favored.
- The weather: The weather on the day of the race can have an effect on the odds of a horse. Hot and humid conditions can favor horses that have done well in the past in such conditions, while cold and wet conditions can favor horses that have done well in such conditions in the past.
Betting on the Preakness Stakes
Betting on the Preakness Stakes is a popular activity for horse racing fans. There are a variety of ways to bet on the Preakness Stakes, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets.
How to Place a Bet on the Preakness Stakes
If you’re looking to place a bet on the Preakness Stakes, you have a few options. You can place a bet at the track, or you can place a bet online. If you’re placing a bet online, you’ll need to find an online sportsbook or racebook that accepts wagers on horse racing. You’ll then need to create an account, deposit funds, select your bet type, pick your horses, and place your bet.
Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
Betting on the Preakness Stakes can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to do your research before placing a bet. Here are some tips for betting on the Preakness Stakes:
- Do your research: Research the field of horses competing in the race and look for any trends or correlations that may give you an edge when selecting your horses. Also, research the jockeys, trainers, and track conditions.
- Use the odds to your advantage: Odds can provide valuable information about the chances of each horse winning the race. Use the odds to help you decide which horses to bet on.
- Set a budget: Set a budget for how much you’re willing to bet on the Preakness Stakes and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Bet with your head, not your heart: Don’t let emotion dictate your betting decisions. Bet with your head and use the information you’ve gathered to make informed decisions.
Preakness Stakes Handicapping
Handicapping is the practice of analyzing the field of horses competing in the Preakness Stakes and assigning each horse a rating. Handicappers use a variety of factors to determine a horse’s rating, such as past performance, jockey experience, and track conditions.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and betting on the Preakness Stakes is a popular activity for horse racing fans. The odds for the Preakness Stakes change from year to year, and can be affected by a variety of factors. If you’re looking to place a bet on the Preakness Stakes, it’s important to do your research and use the odds to your advantage. Handicapping can also be a useful tool when selecting your horses.