The 150th Kentucky Derby gave us one of the most dramatic finishes with Mystik Dan nosing
out Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a photo finish. But as the attention turns to Pimlico and
the Preakness Stakes, Mystik Dan isn’t the favorite to win the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Still, the racing world has an opportunity
Muth (+110)
Arguably one of the best horses of 2024, Muth has two victories this year and has never
finished worse than second in six career starts (4 wins, 2 seconds). Muth defeated Kentucky
Derby winner Mystik Dan in the Arkansas Derby but did not make the trip to Louisville. That’s
because his trainer, Bob Baffert is suspended from Churchill Downs until the end of this year
because 2021 Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a drug test for a banned steroid. Muth hasn’t
raced since the end of March and should be fit for Pimlico.
Mystik Dan (+400)
Typically the Derby winner goes into the second jewel of the Triple Crown as the favorite but
that isn’t the case this week. Mystik Dan is the first Kentucky Derby winner since 2012 to not
open as the Preakness betting choice. Winning at 18-1 at Churchill Downs, this colt is now the
second choice, because the public is on Muth. While he may not be the top choice, Mystik Dan
should be respected here. If Brian Hernandez Jr. can save ground, and get another rail trip, he
could be contending in the final furlong, especially if there’s some early pace.
VALUE PLAYS
Imagination (+700)
Imagination has never finished worse than second in his six career starts and has two wins on
the resume. This 3-year old colt has a personal best 104 speed figure, just behind Muth (115)
and Mystik Dan (109 at the Kentucky Derby). Imagination has plenty of speed to contend with
this field, and if he can be at the top of his game, bettors will be rewarded handsomely.
Tuscan Gold (+800)
Tuscan Gold has the pedigree and a trainer who knows how to win at the Preakness. Chad
Brown has won the second leg twice in his career and goes for the hat trick with the lightly raced
colt. Tuscan Gold gets his fourth start Saturday and hasn’t raced since finishing third in the
Louisiana Derby on March 23. With much of the attention on Muth and Mystik Dan, Tuscan
Gold could be a bit of a sleeper at Pimlico.
Preakness Stakes Odds
Muth +110
Mystik Dan +400
Catching Freedom +600
Imagination +700
Tuscan Gold +800
Just Steel +1600
Seize the Grey +2000
Uncle Heavy +3300
Mugatu +6600