The Preakness Stakes is going to be an epic event this Saturday, with several favorites in the running to win the race.
The Preakness Stakes is a horse race that takes place each year at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s the second leg of the United States Triple Crown and is run on the third Saturday of May.
The Preakness is a Grade 1 stakes race with a purse of $1.5 million, and it attracts some of the best horses in the country. Let’s take a look at some of the top Preakness Stakes contenders for 2022 and their odds and other information you need to know.
Here are some of the top horses to watch for the 2022 Preakness Stakes:
Simplification
Simplification is a three-year-old Florida-bred colt who trains under the guidance of Todd Pletcher. He began his racing career on 23rd October 2021, when he broke his maiden in a six-furlong race at Gulfstream Park. He showed his potential that day, winning by sixteen lengths.
Pletcher decided to enter Simplification in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes on New Year’s Day 2022, and the colt responded with a four-length victory. Javier Castellano rode him that day, and the successful partnership continued throughout the year. Simplification went on to win the Tampa Bay Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes, solidifying his position as one of the top three-year-olds in training.
Rich Strike
Rich Strike made his graded stakes debut in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on April 2, 2022, and he ultimately finished third behind two other horses but was beaten 5 3/4 lengths for this impressive victory by Tiz The Bomb, who showed up strong after being given a chance past distinguished rivals due to injury.
The Racing Hall of Fame Member had earlier broken his maiden race with ease when winning 17 1/4 length stalking an early favorite into second place, proving himself worthy as one threat among many more ahead this season.
Rich Strike earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, solidifying his place as a contender in this year’s Triple Crown races. With his talent and potential, Rich Strike is sure to be one to watch in the Preakness.
Epicenter
In his debut at Churchill Downs, Epicenter set the pace and flattened out to finish sixth. He broke mediation with a 3 1/2-length margin in what would be his only start of 2022 so far before heading north for an April 2nd graded stakes race on Turfway’s turf course. That’s where he ultimately finished third after going up against some tough competition. But this proves once again how well this promising new horse can perform when given ample chances.
In September 2021, Epicenter won his career debut at Churchill Downs by three and a half lengths, impressing many with his talent. He followed that up with a third-place finish in the Grade III Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland, proving he can compete with some of the best horses in the country.
Secret Oath
The story of Secret Oath is one that most horses would dream to live- if not more so than she has been. The 3-year-old filly broke her maiden in the second career start, a 1/16 mile Maiden Special Weight race at Churchill Downs on October 31st, 2021. She stalked up three wide and drew away in stretch five below, winning by 5+ lengths.
Secret Oath had an impressive fifth-place finish behind winner Golden Rod (Grade 2) along with two other top-tier runners, including graded stakes-placed finisher Martha Washington Stakes(G3). It wasn’t until December when we saw our next chance to encounter this phenomenal talent as they made their way back into the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in an Allowance race by nearly four lengths, this time going one mile on the main track.
It’s been quite a ride for Secret Oath so far, and she shows no signs of slowing down. With her talent and potential, she is sure to be one to watch in the Preakness Stakes.
Early Voting
Early Voting is making a name for itself on the racetrack. He battled on the lead early and drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths in his career debut. Afterward, he made his stakes debut in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct and ran the field off their feet, winning easily by 4 1/2 lengths.
With that victory, he earned ten points on the road to the Kentucky Derby, Presented by Woodford Reserve. Early Voting is a horse to watch in upcoming races. He has the potential to be a top contender.
Creative Minister
The Creative Minister is off to a fast start in his first three races. He took the allowance/optional claiming race at Churchill Downs, winning by an eyelash over some highly regarded turf prospects that were also entered for this prestigious event. Then again, just two weeks later, he finished second, but this time only by 1 1/4 lengths away from victory after being sent into racing as a favorite against tough competition on dirt roads outside of Keeneland Racecourse. That’s where we witnessed how good these horses can be when they’ve got all their gears unlocked and are ready to run.
Odds for the Race
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and this year’s race is shaping up to be an exciting one. After Monday’s post position draw, Epicenter is the clear favorite, with odds as low as even-money. That’s a significant drop from their +400 odds just days ago. Secret Oath is the second favorite at +400 odds. With such a wide-open field, it’s sure to be an exciting race come Saturday.
Photo: Pixabay
