Preakness Stakes betting on Saturday, May 15th could resemble the race two years ago when Big Brown went off as a big favorite. Preakness Stakes odds two years ago had Big Brown as the odds-on favorite and that scenario could happen again this year.
Preakness Stakes betting on the 135th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 15th could have a short field. There is no question the field will be smaller than in the Kentucky Derby. The Preakness only allows 14 starters. There have been ten or more starters in 15 of the last 17 years. Last year was a rare occasion when the Kentucky Derby winner was not favored in Preakness Stakes odds. Rachel Alexandra was favored over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. The odds proved to be correct as Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness.
Two years ago there was not much suspense in the Preakness as Big Brown rolled to a victory of more than five lengths. You might be thinking that a big winner in the Preakness is unusual but that is not the case. The Kentucky Derby winner usually does okay in this race and the favorite does really well. Keep in mind that last year it was the favorite winning again with Rachel Alexandra. If she had not been entered in the race then Mine That Bird would have won and been alive for a Triple Crown.
Two years ago it was Big Brown a huge 1-5 favorite in Preakness Stakes betting. That scenario could happen again this year. Eskendereya is well respected and could be a short priced favorite. He is being compared favorably to Big Brown and could go off as a short price.
In the Preakness you just can’t look to go against the favored horse as you might in other races. The favorite in the Preakness has won almost half the time and that is a number you simply can’t ignore. Unless you absolutely hate the favorite you must include him in your tickets as you look at betting Preakness Stakes odds.
There are three races in the Triple Crown and the Preakness is the shortest of the races at a mile and 3/16th. NBC will televise this year’s race on Saturday, May 15th with post time at approximately 6:15 pm Eastern.