Preakness Odds: If you look at the odds in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes it would appear that California Chrome is a sure winner. He is the odds-on favorite to win the second race in horse racing’s Triple Crown. He has won his last five starts and was very impressive in winning the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Can he produce another big effort on Saturday or will the quick turnaround cause him problems? Let’s look at the probable starters for the Preakness and Preakness predictions.
139th Preakness Stakes
Saturday, May 17th
Pimlico Race Course – Baltimore, Maryland
Post Time: 6:18 Eastern Time (NBC)
California Chrome
The horse will be trying to keep his Triple Crown bid alive with a win in Saturday’s Preakness. Trainer Art Sherman is concerned about bringing the horse back in just two weeks but when it comes to going for a Triple Crown there is not much choice. “I know it’s tradition, but it’s grueling,” said Sherman, “It’s pushing the envelope a little bit. It takes a horse 11 days to really recover out of a race.”
Top Challengers
Trainer Bob Baffert is bringing in Bayern to race in the Preakness. The horse has looked really good in recent workouts and he will have female jockey Rosie Napravnik in the irons. “It’s a Triple Crown race. It’s my home track with all my friends and family around.” Napravnik said, “We’d have half the grandstand cheering for us — that’s what would make it special.” Social Inclusion is another of the top contenders and he could go off as the second choice in Preakness odds.
The rest of the field includes Pablo Del Monte who could have started in the Kentucky Derby but was held out due to the bad outside post position, Kid Cruz, Ride on Curlin, Dynamic Impact, Ring Weekend, the filly Ria Antonia and General a Rod.
Preakness Predictions
California Chrome is a deserving favorite but has no value at odds-on. I will take a shot with Ride on Curlin who should go off at double-digit odds and play a trifecta box with California Chrome, Ride on Curlin and Bayern.
