The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is set for this Saturday. Kentucky Derby second-place finisher, Journalism, is a good-sized favorite. He’s not the only wagering option, and for those looking for more potential value, you have options.
Let’s delve into ways you can cash in at the sportsbooks on several four-legged striders in this nine-horse field.
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#2 Journalism (8-5 Odds) Betting Options
Some might downgrade Journalism after finishing second at Churchill Downs two weeks ago, which is unfair. He was run down by a horse who figured close to his equal in Sovereignty, and on that day, he was caught and passed.
His last four speed ratings are 102-102-108-102, which any one of these is better than any other in this field. The only question that gives hope to others is will Journalism maintain this level of form against fresher horses? The one to beat and also a strong key (using first) choice for trifecta and superfecta cards.
Bet To: Win, Across the Board (1-2-3), Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta
#8 Clever Again (5-1 Odds) Betting Options
The thought on Clever Again is that he’s won twice, has the right bloodlines (American Pharoah) of a Triple Crown winner along with tactical speed (101-87).
Trainer Steve Asmussen has won the Preakness twice, and the recent history of this race, the shortest of the Triple Crown, has seen horses with few races that have shown speed and rested can win.
Bet To: Win, Across The Board (1-2-3), Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta
#1 Goal Oriented (6-1) Betting Options
In many ways, similar to Clever Again. Has just two starts, with a couple of trips to the winners’ circle. Prefers to run from the front and couldn’t have a better trainer than Bob Baffert, who is after his ninth Preakness title.
Why we rate him third is Goal Oriented’s speed figures are good (91-91), though hardly elite, and this is his first race facing this level of competitors. If GO takes a big leap forward, things change.
Bet To: Win (Optional), Place, Show, Exacta and Exacta Box, Trifecta and Superfecta
#4 Sandman (4-1) Betting Options
With a fair pace at the Derby, Sandman was one of many closers in the field and was boxed in from gaining a position in the backstretch. Once he found a lane coming off the far turn, Sandman had a good finish to reach 7th.
With less than half as many competitors, finding space is less of an issue. Two races ago, he posted a 99-speed rating, so if others play catch the leader, his closing style might fit the bill.
Bet To: Win (Optional), Place, Show, Exacta and Exacta Box, Trifecta and Superfecta
#6 River Thames (9-2) Betting Options
Though River Thames has won twice and cashed two other times in four starts, there is a school of thought that he’s no better than fifth in this race. Consistent speed numbers (94-95-92) along with a top jockey/trainer combo (Ortiz Jr./Pletcher).
There is a belief RT could be a beast at 7/8 furlongs (shorter races with one turn, not two), because the talent is evident.
Bet To: Show, Trifecta and Superfecta
#7 American Promise (15-1) and #9 Gosger (20-1) Betting Options
American Promise is showing less promise all the time. By finishing a distant 16th at the Derby, he’s not looked good in three of his past four races. If AP can get to lead early, he might cash, but doesn’t appear as fast as either Clever Again or Goal Oriented, both front-runners.
Gosger won the Lexington Stakes and has actually not run a bad race. The concern is keeping up with this level of horses, with no speed ratings in the 90s.
Bet To: Trifecta and Superfecta
Writers’ Picks
- Journalism
- Clever Again
- Goal Oriented
Long Shot Winner
- Gosger
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
