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With the 2024 Preakness Stakes on the horizon, the global horse racing community is buzzing with anticipation, eagerly dissecting and forecasting the top contenders who will compete for glory at one of the sport’s most revered events.
The Preakness Stakes, steeped in tradition and history, not only test the speed and stamina of the thoroughbreds but also showcase the strategies and skills of their trainers and jockeys.
Below, we will introduce the top 5 possible contenders for the 2024 Preakness Stakes, providing a glimpse into their backgrounds, achievements, and why they’re horses to watch in the race for the Black-Eyed Susans.
Muth
The first probable contender on the list is Muth, who has a Preakness betting odds of 11-10. Muth stands out as the speediest and most rested contender among those likely to run in the Preakness Stakes, offering a strong combination that positions him as the top candidate for victory in the Triple Crown’s second event.
He meets all expectations aside from potentially offering bettors great value. His reasonable odds are set at 6-5.
However, there’s a chance he could be the favorite by race time, especially depending on whether Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby victor, participates, as his entry would attract bets. Furthermore, Muth’s performance in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby will be a significant point of discussion.
As evident, Muth emerged victorious against Mystik Dan in a competition that wasn’t closely contested. The allure of winning the Derby is bound to generate financial interest, yet it’s clear Muth stands as the top contender.
Assuming Muth becomes the favored choice, the search for alternatives becomes pertinent. Mystik Dan’s Derby victory does not make him a worthwhile bet.
Mystick Dan
Mystik Dan, the horse who clinched victory at the Kentucky Derby by the slimmest of margins in over fifty years, is set to compete in the Preakness this weekend. This keeps the possibility of securing another Triple Crown title very much alive.
In what will be remembered as one of the closest conclusions to the Derby, Mystik Dan achieved a surprising victory, securing a place in horse racing history.
A photo finish involving three horses, the first at the Derby since 1947, transformed the 1 1/4-mile race into an intense nail-biter during the last few moments. In real-time, it was unclear whether Mystik Dan, racing on the inside, or the vigorously competing pair, Sierra Leone and Forever Young, positioned mid-track, had clinched the victory.
The announcement of the final standings elicited shock and excitement from the 156,710 spectators at Churchill Downs, revealing Mystik Dan as the victor by a mere nose, followed by Sierra Leone and Forever Young in second and third places, respectively.
Given Mystik Dan’s Kentucky Derby performance, he has solidified his name on the upcoming Preakness Stakes as one of the early favorites to win the race.
Tuscan Gold
Tuscan Gold, a contender of considerable potential in the 2024 Preakness lineup, showed his capability by securing the third position at the Louisiana Derby, trailing behind Kentucky Derby participants Catching Freedom and Honor Marie.
His early career also includes a notable race against Sierra Leone, showcasing impressive speed figures throughout his races. This performance has made him a popular choice in the Preakness Stakes betting, with his odds finishing at 17-1 in the last futures pool.
Under the guidance of esteemed trainer Chad Brown, Tuscan Gold is anticipated to be a prominent competitor on the race day at Pimlico.
Imagination
Imagination is set to contend in the prestigious $2 million Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. It is coming off a commendable second-place performance at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 6.
Having secured his maiden victory on January 1—in only his third career start—at Santa Anita Park, he claimed victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 3 at the same venue before his notable performance in the Santa Anita Derby.
A suspension at Churchill Downs rendered him unable to compete in the Kentucky Derby, a decision affecting trainer Bob Baffert.
Baffert, who boasts eight Preakness wins, including last year’s National Treasure, will see Frankie Dettori debut as a jockey, following a 16th place finish in the Kentucky Derby with Society Man.
Just Steel
Just Steel hails from a lineage of champions, with his father, Justify, shattering the “Curse of Apollo” by clinching the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a two-year-old, a feat last achieved by Apollo in 1882.
As Just Steel gears up for the 2024 Preakness Stakes, the legacy of Justify’s offspring is marked by a greater number of runner-up positions (4) compared to victories (2), including a notable performance at the 2024 Arkansas Derby.
Under the guidance of the esteemed trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, Just Steel aims to reverse this trend and secure victory in the upcoming race on Saturday.
Lukas boasts an impressive record with six wins at the Preakness Stakes and four victories at the Belmont Stakes, complementing his four Kentucky Derby triumphs, the most recent being in 1999. As his horse competes in the 150th Kentucky Derby, aiming for its inaugural victory, Lukas is eyeing his first win in the 21st century.
Final Words
The 2024 Preakness Stakes is poised to be a thrilling race. It will showcase a field of exceptional contenders, each with a unique story, proven track records, and the promise of greatness. From Muth’s unsurpassed speed and stamina to Mystik Dan’s Derby-winning surprise to potential dark horses like Tuscan Gold, Imagination, and Just Steel, this year’s Preakness promises to captivate fans and bettors alike.
