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Preakness 2024: Everything You Need to Know

The Preakness Stakes is one of the most anticipated events in horse racing, marking the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown. In 2024, the excitement is palpable as Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner, aims for his second consecutive Triple Crown victory. This blog will cover the start time, key highlights, top predictions, and odds for the Preakness Stakes 2024.

What Time Does Preakness 2024 Start?

The Preakness Stakes 2024 is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. ET

The Preakness Stakes 2024 is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. ET. Coverage will begin earlier, with NBC starting its broadcast at 4:30 p.m. ET. For those who prefer streaming, the race will also be available on Peacock.

The Contenders: Who to Watch

Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeek, is the current favorite following his narrow victory at the Kentucky Derby. If he wins, he will be the first horse since Justify in 2018 to claim both the Derby and the Preakness, setting the stage for a historic Triple Crown bid at the Belmont Stakes next month.

Key Challengers

  • Imagination – Trained by Bob Baffert, a formidable competitor with a strong track record.

  • Catching Freedom – Trained by Brad Cox, who performed well in the Derby and is expected to give a tough fight.

  • Tuscan Gold – Trained by Chad Brown, finished third in the Louisiana Derby and is another strong contender.

With the possibility of a muddy track due to ongoing rain, these horses will need to adapt quickly to the challenging conditions.

Race Conditions and Weather

The Preakness Stakes could be run on a muddy track, with showers expected to continue throughout the afternoon. This could significantly impact the race dynamics, favoring horses with experience in wet conditions.

Race Conditions and Weather

The Quest for the Triple Crown

Mystik Dan’s pursuit of the Triple Crown is a thrilling storyline. If he wins the Preakness, he will head to the Belmont Stakes with a chance to make history. This would be the final leg of the Triple Crown, taking place on June 8 at the Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York due to renovations at Belmont Park.

Expert Predictions and Picks

Gene Menez, a seasoned horse racing analyst, has made some bold predictions for the 2024 Preakness Stakes. Despite Mystik Dan’s favorite status, Menez is not including him in his wagers, citing concerns over the horse’s performance on short rest. Instead, Menez’s top pick is a horse poised for a career-best race and a double-digit longshot expected to finish strong​.

Odds and Betting Insights

Here’s a quick look at the current odds for the top contenders:

  • Mystik Dan: 8-5

  • Catching Freedom: 7-2

  • Imagination: 3-1

  • Tuscan Gold: 9-2

These odds reflect the competitive nature of this year’s field and the high stakes involved. With morning line favorite Muth scratched due to a fever, the field has opened up, making for an unpredictable and exciting race.

The Significance of Preakness 2024

This year’s Preakness Stakes holds additional significance as it will be the last at the aging Pimlico Race Course before its scheduled demolition next year. The 150th running in 2025 will still take place at the track during construction before moving to Laurel Park in 2026 and returning to a rebuilt Pimlico in 2027​.

The Road to Belmont: What Comes Next?

Following the Preakness, all eyes will turn to the Belmont Stakes, set to take place on June 8 at Saratoga Race Course. This will be the first time the Belmont is held at Saratoga due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, which are expected to last into 2025​.

Preakness Stakes 2024: Predictions and Best Bets

For those looking to place bets, it’s crucial to consider expert insights and past performances. Gene Menez’s analysis is particularly valuable, given his track record of accurate predictions. He advises against betting on Mystik Dan due to the horse’s poor performance with short rest in the past and instead suggests focusing on other strong contenders.

Recent Preakness Stakes Winners

Recent Preakness Stakes Winners

Understanding past performances can provide valuable context for making predictions. Last year’s winner, National Treasure, was correctly predicted by Gene Menez, highlighting his expertise. Other notable winners include Oxbow in 2013 and Justify in 2018, who went on to win the Triple Crown​.

Conclusion

The Preakness Stakes 2024 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race with high stakes and significant historical implications. As Mystik Dan aims for his second leg of the Triple Crown, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if he can overcome the challenges posed by his competitors and the muddy track conditions. With expert insights and careful analysis, you can make informed predictions and enjoy one of horse racing’s most thrilling events.