The 2023 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
The race is a 1 3/16 mile grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The winner of the Preakness Stakes will earn 100 points toward qualifying for the 2023 Belmont Stakes.
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1 National Treasure (Bob Baffert/ John Velazquez) – 4-1
2 Chase the Chaos (Ed Moger, Jr./ Sheldon Russell) – 50-1
3 Mage (Gustavo Delgado/Javier Castellano) – 8-5
4 Coffeewithchris (John Salzman, Jr. /Jaime Rodriguez) – 20-1
5 Red Route One (Steve Asmussen/ Joel Rosario) – 10-1
6 Perform (Shug McGaughey/ Feargal Lynch) – 15-1
7 Blazing Sevens (Chad Brown/ Irad Ortiz, Jr.) – 6-1
8 First Mission (Brad Cox/ Luis Saez) – 5-2
Let’s take a look at some of the places you can bet on the Preakness at.
| Horse |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mage | +145 | +140 | +125 |
| First Mission | +275 | +250 | +250 |
| National Treasure | +500 | +450 | +450 |
| Blazing Sevens | +750 | +900 | +800 |
| Perform | +1600 | +1600 | +1800 |
| Red Route One | +1600 | +1200 | +2000 |
| Coffeewithchris | +4000 | +2500 | +5000 |
| Chase the Chaos | +5000 | +3300 | +6600 |
It’s important to note that the Preakness Stakes has a higher success rate for favorites than the other Triple Crown races. The betting favorites win around half of the time in the Preakness.
Keep reading to discover the leading contenders for the 2023 Preakness. You can uncover which horses have the greatest potential to impact the second jewel of the Triple Crown significantly.
Mage, initially considered a long shot in the Kentucky Derby, has emerged as a favorite to win the Triple Crown after an impressive victory at Churchill Downs.
This success positions him as the frontrunner in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, where a strong start will be crucial. With his demonstrated stamina and undeniable talent, Mage has the potential to make a significant impact in Baltimore.
Gustavo Delgado is renowned for his expertise in developing stamina in horses. Although he has only entered one horse in the Preakness Stakes previously, Bodexpress in 2019. That horse became a fan favorite despite unseating its rider at the start of the race.
However, it’s important to note that Bodexpress was a long-shot maiden, whereas Mage is a Kentucky Derby winner.
Javier Castellano, the rider who guided the Kentucky Derby winner to victory, is set to return for the 2023 Preakness Stakes. Castellano has excelled on numerous prestigious stages as a Hall of Fame jockey, including triumphing twice in the Preakness Stakes.
This demonstrates his proficiency in navigating the 1 3/16-mile distance at Pimlico Race Course. In addition, his experience and skill should enable him to bring out the best in Mage.
I would not recommend betting on Mage to win the Preakness despite the short odds price of +140 at Bovada.
Among the promising new shooters, First Mission stands out as the most captivating contender, with a strong possibility of emerging as the Preakness winner.
While venturing into Grade 1 competition for the first time, he left a notable impression in the Lexington (G3) at Keeneland. That performance established him as a formidable competitor.
With his tactical speed, he is well-positioned to secure a favorable trip, and the advantageous outside gate should ensure a clear path to navigate. Based on Preakness Stakes odds, First Mission is expected to be the second choice, further highlighting his prospects for success.
Brad Cox, a highly acclaimed trainer, has received two out of the last three Eclipse Awards for an outstanding trainer. He has achieved numerous victories in some of the most prestigious races nationwide.
Although the Preakness Stakes has eluded him so far, he did secure a triumph in the Belmont two years ago with Essential Quality, a horse owned and bred by Godolphin, who also has First Mission in the race.
Cox’s most notable Preakness Stakes result came in 2019 when Owendale finished third behind War of Will.
Luis Saez is recognized for his assertive riding style, and his prominence in major horse races has risen significantly in recent years.
While he has yet to claim victory in the Preakness Stakes, he achieved a second-place finish with Bravazo in 2018.
Saez has a proven track record with Brad Cox, having been in the saddle when Essential Quality won the Belmont in 2021 and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2020.
This makes them a highly successful and established partnership. I would recommend betting on First Mission at +450 odds at Bovada.
National Treasure competed in several Kentucky Derby prep races on the west coast. Every race was under the guidance of trainers Bob Baffert and Tim Yakteen.
Initially, the horse was transferred to the Yakteen barn for eligibility considerations related to the Derby. However, following a fourth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby, National Treasure returned to the care of Bob Baffert.
National Treasure has returned to the stable of renowned trainer Bob Baffert for the Preakness Stakes. While Baffert was rendered ineligible by Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, he can still participate at tracks not owned by Churchill Downs.
With his trademark white hair, Bob Baffert will return to a Triple Crown race for the first time since 2021.
With seven victories in the second leg of the Triple Crown, Baffert shares the record for the most wins, showcasing his exceptional ability to condition Preakness winners.
However, there is a slight concern regarding Baffert’s recent performance when reverting to blinkers (2 wins out of the last 25 attempts). National Treasure will be making that equipment change in the Preakness.
National Treasure’s regular rider is an esteemed Hall of Fame jockey. He has guided the colt in races such as the Santa Anita Derby.
He has an impressive record that includes four Kentucky Derby wins and two Belmont Stakes victories. Similarly, he has triumphed in many of the most prestigious races in the country.
Although he has yet to secure a Preakness victory, his Preakness Stakes history cannot be considered unsuccessful, having achieved second place three times.
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Born and bred in Maryland, this talented colt by Ride On Curlin showcased his potential by securing his maiden victory at Pimlico nearly a year ago, demonstrating his proficiency in handling different track conditions.
With his notable early speed, he possesses a valuable asset that can give him an advantage in races. However, there remain uncertainties regarding his class and stamina.
While he has achieved success as a two-time stakes winner at Laurel, his performance in the Tesio left much to be desired, as he was significantly outperformed by Perform.
I would throw a small sprinkle on Coffeewithchris just for fun.
Initially regarded as a promising contender for the 2023 Preakness Stakes, he caught attention with a victory in the El Camino Real at Golden Gate Fields. That race was the launching pad for Rombauer’s triumphant Preakness campaign in 2021.
However, his performance has since plateaued, and his recent showing in the California Derby resulted in an underwhelming eighth-place finish against a notably less competitive field.
I would not recommend betting on Chase the Chaos to win the Preakness.
The best bet for the Preakness is National Treasure at +450 odds. Enjoy the race!
