Preakness Stakes odds show that the Preakness is the second of the Triple Crown races with a rich history.
Preakness wagering began back in 1873, two years before the Kentucky Derby. Here is a look at more Preakness odds history.
Preakness Stakes odds have the race being run at a mile and three-sixteenth.The race was named for a horse who won the Dinner Party in 1870, Preakness. The race is held at Pimlico Race Course which actually was one of the most important tracks in the country, far more important than Churchill Downs. A total of 12,000 people watched the Preakness odds for that first race. The winner in Preakness Stakes odds was a horse named Survivor. Preakness wagering really didn’t take off though and the race was moved to New York and not even run two years during that time. It returned to Pimlico in the early 1900’s and has been there ever since. A couple of interesting Preakness wagering traditions have the weather vane painted with the winner’s colors and the playing of “Maryland, My Maryland” during the post parade of Preakness odds horses.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes odds show that the favorite has done pretty well throughout the years. In the Derby the favorite wins only about 15% of the time while in Preakness wagering the favorite wins about 40% of the time. Preakness Stakes odds usually have the favorite at odds of about 2-1. That is a far cry from the Derby where you sometimes have the favorite at odds of 3-1 or more. Preakness odds almost always have the Kentucky Derby winner as the favorite since fans are rooting for a Triple Crown and want the Kentucky Derby winner to stay alive and race for the Triple Crown in the Belmont.
Preakness odds history will always take a backseat to the Kentucky Derby but that doesn’t mean it isn’t rich with tradition. Preakness Stakes odds are exciting to wager on and play a huge part in whether or not a horse has a chance to win the Triple Crown.