Pimlico Racecourse will play host to the second leg of the Triple Crown this weekend, as the field compete over 1 3/16 miles in Maryland. It could be a thrilling edition of the Preakness Stakes, as Mystik Dan looks to set up a potential date with destiny at Saratoga.
Schedule & How To Watch
- When: Saturday, May 18, 2024
- Where: Pimlico Racecourse, Baltimore, Maryland
- How To Watch: NBC
Before Betting On Preakness Stakes
The Triple Crown action continues this weekend, as the middle leg is staged at Pimlico Racecourse. The Preakness Stakes has been held annually since 1873, and the Grade One will be contested over 1 3/16 miles. A talented, but small, field of runners will go to post this weekend, with the betting having been shaken up following Muth’s withdrawal earlier in the week.
Mystik Dan will be looking to become the first runner to win each of the opening two legs of the Triple Crown since Justify in 2018, and Kenneth McPeek is hugely optimistic surrounding his chances. The three-year-old was excellent in the Derby at the start of May when beating Sierra Leone by a nose, and his only defeat this term was suffered at the hands of Muth in the G1 Arkansas Derby.
Just Steel finished ahead of the Derby winner on that day, but a huge response will be required following his poor effort at Churchill Downs. Catching Freedom is the most interesting contender to re-oppose Mystik Dan, as he was closing with every step in the Derby before finishing fourth. It’s likely that he will be much closer to the pace this weekend.
Imagination represents the Bob Baffert yard, but the three-year-old will need a career-best effort in unfavorable conditions this weekend. Seize The Grey won on the Derby undercard and could be interesting, but the most fascinating newcomer is Tuscan Gold. The Chad Brown runner was third behind Catching Freedom in the G2 Louisiana Derby back in March.
Preakness Stakes Offshore Odds & Pick
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mystik Dan | 2.80 |
| Catching Freedom | 5.00 |
| Tuscan Gold | 5.00 |
| Imagination | 5.50 |
| Just Steel | 11.00 |
| Seize The Grey | 17.00 |
| Uncle Heavy | 19.00 |
| Mugatu | 51.00 |
Track conditions look set to suit Mystik Dan this weekend, as heavy rain is expected to fall at Pimlico. However, Catching Freedom has been working the house down at the track this week, and he could be the value play to land the Preakness, with Tuscan Gold completing our Exacta Box.
