There won’t be any ‘official’ betting odds for the Preakness until the Wednesday before the race but several offshore sportsbooks have posted their futures numbers on the second leg of the Triple Crown. To the surprise of no one, Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist is the odds on favorite to claim the marquee race at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Track.
The rules on the futures betting odds stipulate that all horses have action regardless if they run in the Preakness or not. That makes a couple of marginal contenders doubly risky–some aren’t even confirmed for the race yet. Of course, Nyquist is already at Pimlico preparing for the Preakness and he’s currently a -155 favorite to take his second consecutive race. Kentucky Derby runner up and winner of the Santa Anita Derby Exaggerator is the second betting choice at +500. Stradivari is the third pick at +1000. Next up is Suddenbreakingnews at +1450 although the most recent word from his connections is that he’ll skip the Preakness and be pointed to the Belmont Stakes. Louisiana Derby winner Gun Runner is also +1450 though his connections are still trying to decide what to do next. They’re reportedly ‘leaning’ to a run in the Preakness but he’s definitely not a ‘sure thing’. Mor Spirit, Brody’s Cause and Outwork are listed as betting interests though there’s no indication that any of this trio will run in the Preakness. Mor Spirit is +2000, Outwork +2500 and Brody’s Cause +2700. Right behind this group is a horse that is confirmed for the race, Cherry Wine at +2700.
Collected is up next at +2750, Swipe is +3000 and Creator (another Derby runner that has not indicated that he’ll be pointed to Pimlico) at +3500. Uncle Lino will run and he’s also available at +3500. Cupid and Fellowship are also +3500–again, their connections haven’t announced their plans for these horses’ next race. Dazzling Gem (+3700), Laoban (+4250), Awesome Speed (+4250), Abiding Star (+5000) and Lani (+5500) round out the field.
Note that these prices vary from one sports book to another. Since all horses are action regardless of whether or not they actually start in the race it’s essential to do some ‘due diligence’ before placing a bet. We’ll keep you updated on any changes in the Preakness lineup so check back often.