149th Running of the Preakness Stakes is up for Grabs
**Odds and article Updated with Muth Scratched
The 149th Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is set to take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 18, 2024. This historic race, which covers a distance of 1 3/16 miles, will feature a mix of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, all vying for the prestigious title and a share of the $2 million purse.
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As usual, after a full field at the 150th Kentucky Derby, the field has been narrowed for the Preakness Stakes. Only nine horses posted for the race this year, including Derby champion, Mystic Dan. There will be three horses that ran at the Kentucky Derby entered into the 2024 Preakness Stakes field. The rest of the field will consist of six newcomers to the Triple Crown trail. Below are post positions with the odds just below in the betting preview.
- Mugatu
- Uncle Heavy
- Catching Freedom
Muth- Mystik Dan
- Seize the Grey
- Just Steel
- Tuscan Gold
- Imagination
Preakness Stakes Key Contenders
Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby champion, and now the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes. His odds have fell to +225 to win. Trainer Kenny McPeek has been closely monitoring the colt’s recovery and readiness since his Derby win. Although McPeek was initially cautious about committing to the Preakness, he has recently expressed optimism about Mystik Dan’s condition, noting his good movement and appetite.
Muth has been struck from the race with a fever. He was the Preakness favorite. He will begin a long day of travel Tuesday morning from California. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is back and ready for his horse to get to Baltimore. Muth was last seen winning the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on March 30. He barely beat Just Steel and Mystik Dan to the wire. Baffert has won the Preakness a record eight times. The most recent being last year with National Treasure.
Another notable entry is Catching Freedom, who finished fourth in the Derby and won the Louisiana Derby earlier this year. Trainer Brad Cox has indicated that Catching Freedom’s participation hinges on continued good training sessions leading up to the race.
Uncle Heavy, coming off a fifth-place finish in the Wood Memorial, will also be in the field, ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. This pairing is notable given Ortiz’s strong track record in previous Preakness Stakes.
Mugatu, trained by Jeff Engler, is another contender with a strong pedigree. After a solid performance in the Blue Grass Stakes, Engler is optimistic about Mugatu’s chances, particularly given the horse’s preference for longer distances.
The updated Information is below…
149th Preakness Stakes Preview: A Wide-Open Race After Muth Scratch
The withdrawal of Kentucky Derby winner Muth due to a fever has sent shockwaves through the Preakness Stakes field. With the morning line favorite out, the race for the second leg of the Triple Crown is wide open, presenting an intriguing opportunity for several contenders.
Mystik Dan Takes the Spotlight:
The Derby victor, Mystik Dan, finds himself thrust into the favorite’s role by default. He’ll benefit from a good draw with the rail position. However, questions linger about his ability to handle the quick turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness. Two weeks of rest is less than ideal for a horse competing at such a high level.
Fresh Contenders Emerge:
Several horses who might have been overshadowed by Muth now have a chance to shine.
- Tuscan Gold (4-1): Trainer Chad Brown strategically bypassed the Derby with this colt, keeping him fresh for Pimlico. Known for his late-race closing kick, Tuscan Gold could surprise if he gets the right running position.
- Imagination (4-1): Bob Baffert, though absent from the Derby winner’s circle due to his suspension, still has a horse in the race with Imagination. This colt might be the biggest beneficiary of Muth’s absence, coming from the famed trainer’s barn. Baffert’s record in big races speaks for itself, and you can’t ignore his presence.
Other Horses to Watch:
- Uncle Heavy (14-1): This colt put in a strong showing at the Derby, finishing a close fourth. He has the endurance for the 1 3/16-mile distance and could be a factor if he can find a good early pace.
- Catching Freedom (3.5-1): A bit of a longshot, but this colt has shown flashes of brilliance in past races. Don’t completely discount him if he gets loose early.
A Handicapper’s Delight:
The lack of a clear favorite makes this Preakness a handicapper’s delight. Experts will be poring over recent form, analyzing running styles, and factoring in the impact of the short rest for Mystik Dan.
Stay tuned! The 149th Preakness Stakes promises to be an exciting race with a wide-open field.
Betting and Wagering
Here are the updated odds without Muth running. I will leave the old odds up so you can compare.
With a $2 million purse, the Preakness Stakes is a significant event for bettors. The race features various betting opportunities, including traditional win, place, and show bets, as well as more complex wagers like exactas and trifectas. Fans and bettors can expect a thrilling day of racing with potential for significant payouts.
In summary, the 149th Preakness Stakes promises a compelling mix of top-tier horse racing, vibrant entertainment, and deep community engagement, solidifying its place as a highlight of the American horse racing season. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a casual spectator, this year’s Preakness is poised to deliver excitement and memorable moments.
149th Preakness Stakes Event Highlights
This year’s Preakness Stakes is not just about the race but also the rich array of events and experiences surrounding it. Preakness LIVE, headlined by Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow, will transform the Pimlico infield into a vibrant entertainment hub. The event will feature performances by artists like Gryffin, Channel Tres, and Chantel Jeffries, along with local culinary delights from Baltimore’s best food vendors.
The Palm Club VIP area offers a premium experience with a view of both the Preakness LIVE stage and the final stretch of the race. Guests in this area will enjoy an exclusive lounge with an open bar, complimentary food, and access to wagering stations.
The AfroPreak Lounge returns for its third year, celebrating African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures with music, food, and vibrant decorations. This community-driven event highlights the diverse cultural tapestry of Baltimore and adds a unique flavor to the Preakness festivities.
Additionally, the George “Spider” Anderson Preakness Music and Arts Festival will honor the legacy of the pioneering African American jockey who won the 1889 Preakness, featuring live music and local enterprises in a community-centric celebration..
Community and Cultural Impact
Preakness 149 continues to serve as a significant cultural event for Baltimore, blending high-stakes horse racing with community engagement and celebration. The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and associated community grants underscore the event’s commitment to local development and honoring historical figures in racing.
This year’s Preakness Stakes promises not only thrilling horse racing but also a rich tapestry of entertainment, community involvement, and cultural celebration, making it a must-attend event for racing fans and the local community alike.
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