Preakness Stakes

Preakness Stakes Odds: Improbable Takes the Lead

It’s official: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has denied the appeal placed by Maximum Security’s owners following his disqualification at the 2019 Kentucky Derby. But no matter what ruling came down, Maximum Security was not going to run at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 18. Neither will Country House, the unlikely Derby winner at 30/1 on the morning line. He contracted a virus and won’t make the trip to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

We’re still looking at what should be a highly talented and competitive field, judging by the Preakness Stakes betting odds at press time. Here’s a closer look at some of the top Thoroughbreds on the futures market as we wait for Wednesday’s post-position draw. For info on how to place Preakness straight and exotic wagers check out our Preaskness Stakes Betting Guide.

2019 Preakness Stakes Favorites

The leading favorite on the 2019 Preakness is Improbable (+250), the Bob-Baffert trained colt who finished fourth at the Kentucky Derby after a pair of second-place finishes at the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes (behind Long Range Toddy) and the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby (behind Omaha Beach). Improbable did well to finish fourth on the muddy track at Churchill Downs after getting boxed in; he has a high floor, but is he the best horse in this field?

War Of Will (+375) is the second-favorite on the Preakness Stakes betting lines, and he’s looking for payback after finishing seventh at the Derby. Maximum Security veered into War of Will’s path, nearly causing a pile-up and ultimately leading to his historic disqualification. Trained by Marc E. Casse, War of Will won both the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes and the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes before losing his footing at the Grade 1 Louisiana Derby and placing ninth. A clean run at Pimlico could make all the difference.

2019 Preakness Stakes Value Betting Odds

The middle of the pack is tightly bunched behind Improbable and War of Will on the Preakness Stakes odds list. Alwaysmining is third at +600 and Bourbon War is fourth at +700. They’re followed by Owendale at +1000 and Anothertwistafate at +700. Then Win Win Win is at +1200. Win Win Win is listed as possible after his ninth-place finish at the Kentucky Derby; the Michael J. Trombetta-trained colt is an intriguing commodity after coming in third at the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and second at the Blue Grass Stakes. Of these six horses, only Mr. Money isn’t listed as “probable” or “possible” for the Preakness; at press time, the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile winner is likely to pass, according to trainer Bret Calhoun.

Anothertwistafate may offer the best Preakness Stakes betting value of the bunch. Trained by Blaine Wright, this dark bay will be the most dangerous “shooter” in the field after skipping the Kentucky Derby. He took down the El Camino Real Derby back in February, then placed second at the Grade 3 Sunland Derby and second at the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes, where he got stuck in traffic inside while Owendale went way wide and scored the upset. Again, if Anothertwistafate gets more space at Pimlico, he’s the biggest threat to take down the established favorites.

2019 Preakness Stakes Long Shot Odds 

With such a competitive field shaping up, no one horse is facing long odds for Preakness Stakes glory. But the longest odds at press time go to Laughing Fox (+2000). The Steve Asmussen-trained colt didn’t make the trip to Louisville; instead, he stayed at Oaklawn Park and won the Oaklawn Invitational on May 4, earning automatic qualification for the Preakness. This was after finishing seventh at the Rebel Stakes and fourth at the Arkansas Derby.

Then you have Signalman at +2000. Trained by Kenneth McPeek, this Kentucky-bred colt has had some promising results, including a win at the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. He hasn’t raced since taking third at the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes, but has put in some good workouts lately, and is well worth considering if you like to bet on Preakness Stakes trifectas and superfectas.

There are a handful of other horses being considered for the Preakness at press time, but who have yet to appear on the futures market. Warrior’s Charge is in the mix after winning an allowance race at Oaklawn Park for trainer Brad H. Cox. Keep an eye out for fresh odds on the Preakness Stakes right here at Bovada as the field for this great race begins to fill out.

2019 Preakness Stakes Odds Chart: