2024 Preakness Stakes Contenders
By TVG Staff
Updated May 17, 2024
Pimlico Race Course will run the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, on Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the most historic horse racing events of the year, being run for the 149th time this year. The purse is a shining $2 million, up from the base of $1.5 million in previous years.
Preakness Stakes 2024 Field
Nine horses originally entered Preakness Stakes 2024, though only eight are expected to run after the Wednesday-morning scratch of Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth. All three from the Kentucky Derby are still expected to run: winner Mystik Dan, Catching Freedom, and Just Steel. With Muth being out, the leaders among the new faces include Louisiana Derby (G2) third-place finisher Tuscan Gold and Santa Anita Derby (G1) second-place finisher Imagination.
These are the horses who entered along with their post positions, trainers, jockeys, and official morning-line Preakness Stakes odds.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | Jeff Engler | Joe Bravo | 20-1 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | Robert Reid, Jr. | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 20-1 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat | 7-2 |
| 4 | Muth | Bob Baffert | Juan Hernandez | SCR |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | 8-5 |
| 6 | Seize the Grey | D. Wayne Lukas | Jaime Torres | 12-1 |
| 7 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | Joel Rosario | 12-1 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione | 9-2 |
| 9 | Imagination | Bob Baffert | Frankie Dettori | 3-1 |
Preakness Stakes 2024 Contenders
The field for the 149th Preakness Stakes was drawn on Monday, May 13. The race features a field of nine, including live runners from both the Kentucky Derby and several other last-out races.
The morning-line favorite for this year’s Preakness Stakes is Muth. He has been in the Preakness discussion longer than anyone else, since he dominated a pair of Kentucky Derby preps including the Arkansas Derby, but trainer Bob Baffert is not eligible for the Derby. However, he is eligible for both the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
He is particularly successful in Baltimore: his eight wins in this race are the most in Preakness Stakes history, and he won the 2023 edition of the race with National Treasure, a Derby-ineligible horse who he pointed straight to Pimlico Race Course. Baffert also entered Imagination, who ran a close second behind Stronghold in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), and also won a scratch-thinned edition of the San Felipe (G2) two starts back.
The connections of Mystik Dan took a few days to commit him after the Kentucky Derby, but after a good Saturday gallop and clear tests his connections were convinced that he came out of his Kentucky Derby victory well enough to continue his Triple Crown quest. With the scratch of Muth, he is likely to be the favorite. He has the stamina and the good current form, and potential rain in the forecast moves him up that comes to fruition. However, without Muth, one of the speed horses, the pace will be less in his favor.
Chad Brown has a strong recent history in the Preakness Stakes and hopes to keep that going with Tuscan Gold. He finished a good third behind Catching Freedom and Honor Marie in the Louisiana Derby in his first stakes try. Brown’s recent Preakness Stakes winners Cloud Computing in 2017 and Early Voting in 2022 are strong testaments to Brown’s ability to prepare a relatively inexperienced horse to fire in the Preakness.
Catching Freedom was a relatively late addition to the Preakness field. Trainer Brad Cox was originally not going to enter him, but after he trained well out of the Kentucky Derby his connections made the decision on Sunday to enter him. The Louisiana Derby (G2) winner ran a good fourth in the Run for the Roses, and will be a serious contender if he holds his form.
With Muth out of the race, the only horse in the field from the barn of eight-time Preakness-winning trainer Bob Baffert is Imagination. His class is a question, as he has still only faced California horses: basically, Stronghold as well as a rotating cast of his lesser stablemates, the ones not named Muth or Nysos or Prince of Monaco. However, he was game both in winning the San Felipe (G2) and in finishing second to Stronghold in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). And, the scratch of Muth helps the speedy Imagination from a pace perspective.
The two longest shots in the field of nine are runners who were on the Kentucky Derby trail but lacked enough points to get into the race. Blue Grass fifth-place finisher Mugatu entered the run for the roses but did not get in off the also-eligible list. Withers (G3) winner Uncle Heavy did not enter at Churchill Downs but was instead routed straight to the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fewer Kentucky Derby horses racing in the Preakness?
There is a recent trend of fewer Kentucky Derby horses running in the Preakness than before. Part of it is a question of field size: though the Run for the Roses allows up to 20 horses to start from a gate specially made for the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness only allows 14 horses to run.
Furthermore, not every horse in the Preakness Stakes will have run in the Derby: in 2023, the only Kentucky Derby horse who entered the Preakness was the winner, Mage. As more top-level trainers race their top-level horses less often, a two-week turnaround to the Preakness with no Triple Crown at stake has become less attractive—and even 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike went straight to the Belmont instead of even attempting a Triple Crown.
However, more horses from the Kentucky Derby will run in the Preakness in 2024 than in 2023. Last year, only Mage pressed on to Pimlico Race Course on the third Saturday in May. This year, not only the winner Mystik Dan goes on, but Catching Freedom and Just Steel will also try to improve upon their previous performances.
Who was the fastest horse to win the Preakness Stakes?
At its current distance of 1 3/16 miles, 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat won it in the fastest time ever, 1:53.00. The next fastest Preakness Stakes happened in 2020, when the filly Swiss Skydiver defeated Kentucky Derby winner Authentic in 1:53.28.
The only faster editions of the Preakness happened earlier in its history, when the race covered a shorter distance. Technically the fastest Preakness was run by Effendi in 1909, but the Preakness Stakes only covered one mile that year, making that an apples-to-oranges comparison to Secretariat’s feat. In fact, Secretariat’s 1:53.00 time for the 1 3/16 miles was the same time in which 1919 Triple Crown winner Sir Barton completed the Preakness — even though Sir Barton only covered 1 1/8 miles for his Preakness!
Keep It TVG for Preakness Stakes 2024
TVG provides picks and coverage for all major horse racing events, so keep it here to find out who will win the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico race course.
Sign up with us today to receive your bonus, and remember that our dedicated team is on hand to provide in-depth analysis and up to date odds on the middle leg of the 2024 Triple Crown!
Disclaimer:TVG provides free information, odds, facts, and commentary about the Preakness Stakes and horse racing and betting, in general. Third-party marks may be referenced in a transformative, editorial, informational, nominative, critical, analytical, or comparative context. TVG may reference marks belonging to third parties pursuant to our right to engage in fair use, fair comment, statutory fair use, or trademark fair use doctrine. As such, TVG does not contribute to any dilution of any trade or service marks.
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If you don't win your first single-horse win bet. Bet the Preakness!By TVG Staff
Updated May 17, 2024
Pimlico Race Course will run the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, on Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the most historic horse racing events of the year, being run for the 149th time this year. The purse is a shining $2 million, up from the base of $1.5 million in previous years.
Preakness Stakes 2024 Field
Nine horses originally entered Preakness Stakes 2024, though only eight are expected to run after the Wednesday-morning scratch of Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth. All three from the Kentucky Derby are still expected to run: winner Mystik Dan, Catching Freedom, and Just Steel. With Muth being out, the leaders among the new faces include Louisiana Derby (G2) third-place finisher Tuscan Gold and Santa Anita Derby (G1) second-place finisher Imagination.
These are the horses who entered along with their post positions, trainers, jockeys, and official morning-line Preakness Stakes odds.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | Jeff Engler | Joe Bravo | 20-1 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | Robert Reid, Jr. | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 20-1 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat | 7-2 |
| 4 | Muth | Bob Baffert | Juan Hernandez | SCR |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | 8-5 |
| 6 | Seize the Grey | D. Wayne Lukas | Jaime Torres | 12-1 |
| 7 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | Joel Rosario | 12-1 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione | 9-2 |
| 9 | Imagination | Bob Baffert | Frankie Dettori | 3-1 |
Preakness Stakes 2024 Contenders
The field for the 149th Preakness Stakes was drawn on Monday, May 13. The race features a field of nine, including live runners from both the Kentucky Derby and several other last-out races.
The morning-line favorite for this year’s Preakness Stakes is Muth. He has been in the Preakness discussion longer than anyone else, since he dominated a pair of Kentucky Derby preps including the Arkansas Derby, but trainer Bob Baffert is not eligible for the Derby. However, he is eligible for both the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
He is particularly successful in Baltimore: his eight wins in this race are the most in Preakness Stakes history, and he won the 2023 edition of the race with National Treasure, a Derby-ineligible horse who he pointed straight to Pimlico Race Course. Baffert also entered Imagination, who ran a close second behind Stronghold in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), and also won a scratch-thinned edition of the San Felipe (G2) two starts back.
The connections of Mystik Dan took a few days to commit him after the Kentucky Derby, but after a good Saturday gallop and clear tests his connections were convinced that he came out of his Kentucky Derby victory well enough to continue his Triple Crown quest. With the scratch of Muth, he is likely to be the favorite. He has the stamina and the good current form, and potential rain in the forecast moves him up that comes to fruition. However, without Muth, one of the speed horses, the pace will be less in his favor.
Chad Brown has a strong recent history in the Preakness Stakes and hopes to keep that going with Tuscan Gold. He finished a good third behind Catching Freedom and Honor Marie in the Louisiana Derby in his first stakes try. Brown’s recent Preakness Stakes winners Cloud Computing in 2017 and Early Voting in 2022 are strong testaments to Brown’s ability to prepare a relatively inexperienced horse to fire in the Preakness.
Catching Freedom was a relatively late addition to the Preakness field. Trainer Brad Cox was originally not going to enter him, but after he trained well out of the Kentucky Derby his connections made the decision on Sunday to enter him. The Louisiana Derby (G2) winner ran a good fourth in the Run for the Roses, and will be a serious contender if he holds his form.
With Muth out of the race, the only horse in the field from the barn of eight-time Preakness-winning trainer Bob Baffert is Imagination. His class is a question, as he has still only faced California horses: basically, Stronghold as well as a rotating cast of his lesser stablemates, the ones not named Muth or Nysos or Prince of Monaco. However, he was game both in winning the San Felipe (G2) and in finishing second to Stronghold in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). And, the scratch of Muth helps the speedy Imagination from a pace perspective.
The two longest shots in the field of nine are runners who were on the Kentucky Derby trail but lacked enough points to get into the race. Blue Grass fifth-place finisher Mugatu entered the run for the roses but did not get in off the also-eligible list. Withers (G3) winner Uncle Heavy did not enter at Churchill Downs but was instead routed straight to the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fewer Kentucky Derby horses racing in the Preakness?
There is a recent trend of fewer Kentucky Derby horses running in the Preakness than before. Part of it is a question of field size: though the Run for the Roses allows up to 20 horses to start from a gate specially made for the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness only allows 14 horses to run.
Furthermore, not every horse in the Preakness Stakes will have run in the Derby: in 2023, the only Kentucky Derby horse who entered the Preakness was the winner, Mage. As more top-level trainers race their top-level horses less often, a two-week turnaround to the Preakness with no Triple Crown at stake has become less attractive—and even 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike went straight to the Belmont instead of even attempting a Triple Crown.
However, more horses from the Kentucky Derby will run in the Preakness in 2024 than in 2023. Last year, only Mage pressed on to Pimlico Race Course on the third Saturday in May. This year, not only the winner Mystik Dan goes on, but Catching Freedom and Just Steel will also try to improve upon their previous performances.
Who was the fastest horse to win the Preakness Stakes?
At its current distance of 1 3/16 miles, 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat won it in the fastest time ever, 1:53.00. The next fastest Preakness Stakes happened in 2020, when the filly Swiss Skydiver defeated Kentucky Derby winner Authentic in 1:53.28.
The only faster editions of the Preakness happened earlier in its history, when the race covered a shorter distance. Technically the fastest Preakness was run by Effendi in 1909, but the Preakness Stakes only covered one mile that year, making that an apples-to-oranges comparison to Secretariat’s feat. In fact, Secretariat’s 1:53.00 time for the 1 3/16 miles was the same time in which 1919 Triple Crown winner Sir Barton completed the Preakness — even though Sir Barton only covered 1 1/8 miles for his Preakness!
Keep It TVG for Preakness Stakes 2024
TVG provides picks and coverage for all major horse racing events, so keep it here to find out who will win the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico race course.
Sign up with us today to receive your bonus, and remember that our dedicated team is on hand to provide in-depth analysis and up to date odds on the middle leg of the 2024 Triple Crown!
Disclaimer:TVG provides free information, odds, facts, and commentary about the Preakness Stakes and horse racing and betting, in general. Third-party marks may be referenced in a transformative, editorial, informational, nominative, critical, analytical, or comparative context. TVG may reference marks belonging to third parties pursuant to our right to engage in fair use, fair comment, statutory fair use, or trademark fair use doctrine. As such, TVG does not contribute to any dilution of any trade or service marks.