Horse Racing Betting: Preakness Stakes Preview

No horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed did it in 1978, but Kentucky Derby winner Orb is looking to change that with another step towards infamy this Saturday at the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 138 years, 33 horses that have won the Kentucky Derby have gone on to win the Preakness as well, including last year’s Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another. Only 11 of those horses have gone on to complete the Triple Crown with a win in the Belmont. In order to have a shot at history, Orb must first win the Preakness. He is going off at +100 at Bovada to do just that (with the field going off at -140). Orb can also be bet on to show (or finish in third or better) at -400 at Bovada and +250 to finish outside of the Top 3. Bettors that believe history will be made can bet on Orb to win the Triple Crown at +250, or not to at -400.

To win the Preakness, Orb will have to face a tough field of familiar foes from the Kentucky Derby. While Verrazano and Normandy Invasion will not be back in the fold for the Preakness, Derby contenders Goldencents (+700), Itsmyluckyday (+900), and Mylute (+900) will all look to give Orb a run for his money (with all odds available at 5Dimes). The shorter race track could help a speed horse like Goldencents stay competitive with Orb down the stretch as stamina will be less of an issue.

But while many horses will be returning from the Kentucky Derby field, Orb’s biggest competition may come from newcomer Departing. Departing is going off at +400 at 5Dimes and is a talented young horse that has won four of its first five career races. With fresh legs having not run in the Derby a few weeks ago, many consider Departing the biggest threat to Orb.

Orb is an excellent race horse with great closing ability down the stretch. As long as no other horse in the field jumps out to an early insurmountable lead, look for the Derby winner to hunt down the pack and be involved in the payouts this Saturday.