Preakness Stakes 2024 – As the anticipation and free horse racing picks builds for the 149th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, eyes are keenly set on the formidable lineup poised to compete this Saturday. Among them, Mystik Dan, the victor of the Kentucky Derby, who remarkably enters as an underdog against Muth, the morning-line favorite. With a purse of $2 million on the line and potential rainy conditions, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in one of the most revered contests in horse racing.
Historical Echoes and Contemporary Challenges
It has been over a decade since a Kentucky Derby winner entered the Preakness not as the favorite— a situation that was last seen in 2012. This year’s race is back to that unusual thing, with Muth being the favorite at 8-5 after his brilliant win in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. Muth, who is at post 4, is expected to give a strong performance, and directly ahead of him is Mystik Dan at post 5, who is said to have 5-2 odds.
The competitive edge is not over with these two. This year nine qualified 3-year-old colts are in the field and each of them has a special combination of talent and training acumen that is going to be the main attraction. There are several among them, and one of them is Just Steel, which was trained by the famous D. Wayne Lukas, a six-time Preakness winner. Although Just Steel came 17th at the Kentucky Derby, he still has potential with 15-1 betting odds from post 7.
Key Contenders and Their Paths to Pimlico
The race dynamics are already complicated with the participation of other famous horses such as Catching Freedom and Seize the Grey. Catching Freedom, who was fourth in the Kentucky Derby, will start from post 3 with the promising 6-1 odds. Seize the Grey, one of Lukas’s charges and the Pat Day Mile winner, is now rated 15-1 and will depart from post 6.
Baffert’s other candidates, Muth and Imagination, make the race very interesting as well. Imagination, who had to miss the Kentucky Derby because of Baffert’s suspension, is now expected to make a big difference from outside at post 9, with 6-1 odds. The horses’ placement on the track and their recent form indicate the coming of a stimulating contest.
2024 Preakness Stakes Betting Odds
| Post Position | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | 20-1 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | 20-1 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | 6-1 |
| 4 | Muth (OTB) | OTB |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | 5-2 |
| 6 | Seize The Grey | 15-1 |
| 7 | Just Steel | 15-1 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | 8-1 |
| 9 | Imagination | 6-1 |
Preakness Stakes 2024 – Strategies and Expectations
Trainer Kenny McPeek, the manager of Mystik Dan, expressed confidence about their draw and strategy. He foresees a tactical race where Mystik Dan could either peg Muth closely or opt for a slightly off-pace approach, depending on how the race develops. The variability in tactics shows the unpredictable nature of this year’s Preakness and the evenly matched top contenders.
Muth’s team, which is being guided by Baffert, is still confident though they are the favorites. The Preakness, the first of the three top American horse races, is a new entry for Muth, who is expected to give a tough fight, possibly setting the pace of the race.
The Role of Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast says that there is a 50 percent possibility of rain, which would greatly change the race tactics and the results. A wet track can cause unpredicted results, as horses behave in a different way when it is raining. The trainers and jockeys will be forced to change fast to the new race environment in order to keep their title championship alive.
The Spectacle of the Preakness
The Preakness is not just about the million dollar purse or the tough competition, it’s a celebration of the horse racing tradition, displaying some of the best equine athletes in the world. The crowd and the people who love the race will be watching closely, on the site and through the media, to see another historic chapter in this famous race coming.
The approach of the race day has a surge of enthusiasm among the teams as they are in the process of polishing their strategies and preparations. Be it the experienced bettor or the casual observer, the 2024 Preakness Stakes will be an exhilarating spectacle, full of drama and competition spirit.
Looking Ahead: Betting Insights
For those interested in placing bets, the Preakness offers a fantastic array of opportunities. With free picks available, bettors can make informed decisions, leveraging insights from past performances and expert analyses. As the race day approaches, premier betting websites are updating their odds and offering special promotions, ensuring that fans not only enjoy the race but also engage with it on multiple levels.
To sum it up, if you’re into the fun of the race, the grace of the horses, or the tactics of gambling, the Preakness Stakes is the best event in the horse racing calendar. As we come to the last days of the week until Saturday, Pimlico will be the center of attention, where the champions will be competing, the legacies will be created and the horse racing history will be made.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: May 14, 2024
Last updated: March 26, 2025