The 2024 Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday at 6:50 p.m. ET on NBC, marks the 149th running of the Triple Crown horse race at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore. With the Preakness post positions set, it is time to break down the field, which includes Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan in his quest for the second jewel. Mystik Dan (20-1 in the Derby) won at Churchill Downs in an upset photo finish victory over Sierra Leone (second at 2-1) and Forever Young (third at 10-1). Now, all eyes will be on the 3-year-old bay colt to build on that momentum at the Preakness before trying to win the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes in June.
Preakness Post Positions and Odds for 2024
The 2024 Preakness Stakes features nine horses, including three Kentucky Derby entries and six fresh competitors. With Muth scratched due to illness, the field dynamics have shifted.
The Derby Entrants
Mystik Dan, Catching Freedom, and Just Steel are the three horses from the Kentucky Derby appearing at the Preakness. Mystik Dan, now with 5-2 odds, aims to maintain his winning streak. Catching Freedom, who finished fourth in the Derby, stands at 6-1 odds, while Just Steel, with a 17th place finish, holds 15-1 odds.
The New Contenders
The fresh horses in the Preakness include Mugatu (20-1), Uncle Heavy (20-1), Seize the Grey (15-1), Tuscan Gold (8-1), and Imagination (6-1). These new entries will bring fresh competition and unique challenges to the field.
What Are Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan’s Chances to Win the 2024 Preakness, too?
Mystik Dan did not enter the Derby as the favorite, with that honor going to Muth. With Muth’s scratch, Mystik Dan emerges as a stronger contender for the Preakness. Despite winning only one of two previous races at the Preakness distance, Mystik Dan has three victories in seven total starts, including the Derby.
Previous Performances
Mystik Dan has faced Catching Freedom and Muth (now scratched) in previous races like the 2024 Smarty Jones and the 2024 Arkansas Derby. He also shares a consistent rivalry with Just Steel, adding another layer of competition.
Challenges Ahead
Given the tight competition and less stretch run in the Preakness, Mystik Dan faces significant challenges. His performance will be closely watched as he strives to remain in the winner’s circle.
Which Other 2024 Preakness Contenders Have the Best Track Record?
Beyond Mystik Dan, other contenders also show strong potential based on their track records and previous performances.
Catching Freedom
Catching Freedom finished just out of show in the Kentucky Derby, following Forever Young. The Brad H. Cox-trained horse has three previous wins at various distances, including the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park, and a MSW at Churchill Downs.
Which Trainers Can You Trust Most in the Preakness?
The expertise of trainers plays a critical role in preparing horses for the Preakness. Notable trainers bring a wealth of experience and success to the table.
Bob Baffert
Bob Baffert has a career-best eight Triple Crown victories at Pimlico, including National Treasure’s victory in 2023. Despite Muth’s scratch, Baffert still has a fighting chance with Imagination at No. 9.
D. Wayne Lukas
D. Wayne Lukas, the trainer of Just Steel and Seize the Grey, has six Preakness-winning entries. However, his last victory came with Oxbow in 2023, making a win this year crucial.
Which Jockeys Can You Trust Most at the 2024 Preakness?
Experienced jockeys are essential for navigating the complexities of the Preakness Stakes. Their skills can significantly influence the race’s outcome.
Joel Rosario
Joel Rosario seeks his elusive career Triple Crown, having won the Kentucky Derby with Oxbow in 2013 and the Belmont twice (2014 and 2019). Riding the upset minded Just Steel from No. 7, Rosario’s experience will be critical.
Flavien Prat
Flavien Prat, with Triple Crown victories at the Derby (Country House, 2019) and Preakness (Rombauer, 2021), is well-positioned to succeed with Catching Freedom.
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Which Horse Is the Best Longshot Pick to Win the 2024 Preakness?
Longshot picks can offer surprising and lucrative results. This year, Just Steel stands out as a strong contender.
Just Steel’s Potential
With 12 starts and two wins, Just Steel has also finished second four times and third once, showing consistent competitiveness. Despite fading in the Derby, his previous encounters with Mystik Dan at shorter distances suggest he could be a surprise at the Preakness.
Which Preakness Post Positions Have Been the Most Advantageous?
Certain post positions historically offer better chances of winning the Preakness. Understanding these trends can provide insights into potential outcomes.
Post Position No. 4
Despite Muth’s scratch, No. 4 has produced 14 winners since 1909, including Swiss Skydiver in 2020 and Curlin in 2007. However, Always Dreaming’s failure in 2017 stands out as an anomaly.
Conclusion
The Belmont Stakes is the final and longest race of the prestigious Triple Crown series, held annually in early June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Known as the “Test of the Champion,” this grueling race covers 1.5 miles, challenging horses, and jockeys with its demanding distance. The Belmont Stakes is a crucial event in American thoroughbred racing, often determining whether a horse can secure the coveted Triple Crown title by adding a victory here to wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The race’s rich history and high stakes make it a highlight of the racing calendar.
