As a result of Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike skipping the Preakness Stakes, Epicenter is the betting favorite. Epicenter, was the Kentucky Derby favorite and is well known by gamblers. Thus, his status as the 2022 Preakness Stakes Odds betting favorite is understandable. Rich Strike’s absence means that there will not be a Triple Crown-winning horse this year. While NBC and Preakness Officials can’t be happy, the gambling public is afforded an excellent handicapping challenge. Saturday brings the possibility of some hidden gems and big payouts on the board.
2022 Preakness Stakes
| Date and Time: | Saturday, May 21, 2022, Post Time 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
2022 Preakness Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Epicenter | 3/1 |
| Secret Oath | 11/2 |
| Early Voting | 6/1 |
| Simplification | 8/1 |
| Creative Minister | 10/1 |
| Un Ojo | 18/1 |
| Skippylongstocking | 10/1 |
| Ethereal Road | 25/1 |
| Shake Em Loose | 28/ |
| Rattle N Roll | 28/1 |
2022 Preakness Stakes – SBG Odds Analysis
On the whole, the Preakness Stakes is wide open with Rich Strike’s absence. Epicenter is the obvious sportsbook betting choice. Epicenter is an excellent example of branding. He was a highly-touted Kentucky Derby favorite.
Most important of all to handicappers is the Preakness Stakes fatigue factor. Some of the horses in Saturday’s race ran two weeks ago at the Kentucky Derby. Epicenter fits that description. And then other horses skipped the Derby and will be well-rested for the Preakness Stakes.
Presently, one of the reasons given for Rich Strike skipping the Preakness Stakes was that it was not considered safe for him to race again so soon. Horse racing community members are increasingly critical of the two-week break between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. These experts say the break is too short and unsafe for today’s horses.
Steve Asmussen Leads Epicenter to the Gate as Preakness Chalk
Namely, Steve Asmussen is one of the top trainers in the horse racing game. Asmussen has two Preakness Stakes wins. Also, he has won the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic twice. Asmussen is a member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.
In turn, Epicenter became a Kentucky Derby favorite with Grade-2 wins at the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. Epicenter, was in a position to win the Kentucky Derby but was caught from behind by Rich Strike.
Secret Oath for the Ladies
D Wayne Lucas, age 86, is a Hall of Fame trainer in his own right. Lucas has career wins at all three Triple Crown tracks. Pimlico is Lucas’ favorite track. Cause by his love of the less formal Preakness Stakes and its more festive atmosphere.
Secret Oath ran at Churchill Downs on the day before the Kentucky Derby in the Grade-1 Kentucky Oaks. Specifically, the Kentucky Oaks is the female version of the Derby. It is the most prestigious race for fillies each year. Secret Oath impressively won the Kentucky Oaks. Now she has the opportunity to make history at the Preakness Stakes. Only six fillies in history have won the Run for the Black-Eyed Susan.
2022 Preakness Stakes SBG Odds Free Picks
To be exact Creative Minister offers the best 2022 Preakness Stakes Odds value on the board. He has won his last two races and has the speed to take advantage of the shorter mile and 3/16 distance of the Preakness Stakes.
2022 Preakness Stakes SBG Best Bet: Creative Minister.