Preview for the 2021 Preakness Stakes

It’s always a surprise when a horse race betting favourite fails to deliver at the finish line. The Todd Pletcher-trained Essential Quality topped the Kentucky Derby futures market for over a month before the event, having enjoyed victories at all five career races. He put in a valiant effort at the Kentucky Derby and pressed the frontrunners in the homestretch, but ultimately finished fourth. The winner, Medina Spirit, held the lead for the entire race and earned trainer Bob Baffert a record-breaking seven Kentucky Derby wins.

Medina Spirit now finds himself at the top of the Preakness odds board at +250. Essential Quality won’t be part of the competition, as Pletcher intends to keep him fresh for the Belmont Stakes instead. We’ll go over the top picks, some value options and the long shots to get you ready for the Preakness Stakes on May 15 at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course.

 

2021 Preakness Stakes Favourites

The shortest of the three Triple Crown races, the Preakness traditionally suits frontrunners like Medina Spirit. He has already shown that he can win wire-to-wire going 1 ¼ miles at the Kentucky Derby, so the horse racing betting public likes his odds of doing it again at the shorter 1 3/16 miles. Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey John Velazquez were one neck short of winning the 2020 Preakness Stakes one month after their bay colt Authentic won the Kentucky Derby; they’ll be extra motivated to accomplish the feat this time around.

Just behind Medina Spirit on the Preakness Stakes odds board is Concert Tour, who was a co-favourite with Essential Quality for the Kentucky Derby before a third-place finish at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby derailed him from the Kentucky Derby; owners Gary and Mary West opted to keep him fresh for the Preakness Stakes instead. Concert Tour won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes and Grade 2 Rebel Stakes prior to his third-place finish at the Arkansas Derby.

 

2021 Preakness Stakes Value Odds

Mandaloun, who finished sixth at the Louisiana Derby just five weeks before the Kentucky Derby, was a surprise for most at Churchill Downs. The +1500 long shot finished second, just a half-length behind Medina Spirit and is now +350 for the Preakness. Caddo River, another intriguing option, offers greater horse betting value at +600 odds. Another frontrunner, Caddo River led the pack at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby until the stretch, where he gave way to Super Stock, and finished second.

 

2021 Preakness Stakes Long Shot Odds

Midnight Bourbon was a popular pick for the Kentucky Derby. He had podium finishes in all seven career races going into the Derby. However, an awkward exit from his gate where he was jostled between two horses seemed to keep him further back than normal. He still finished sixth and could be part of the field at the Preakness, with early betting pegging him as a +1000 option.

Triple Crown betting props will appear in the racebook for those who think Medina Spirit can make a bid for all three jewels. Keep checking in for fresh odds and analysis and we’ll see you at the races.