2 Days To Go: 134th Preakness Stakes Favorites

Still recovering from the improbable win of Mine that Bird at the Kentucky Derby? Well, you’re not alone: horse racing fans from around the world were stunned with this horse’s commanding win, facing odds of 50:1. As a result, Mine that Bird gained entry into this weekend’s Preakness Stakes, where he’ll face a few of the same competitors from the Derby plus some formidable new faces.

It’s also worth noting that Derby winning Jockey Calvin Borel, a legend in the sport of horse racing, will be mounting filly Rachel Alexandra in lieu of Mine that Bird. Only a handful of Kentucky Derby winning jockeys have chosen to mount other horses in the subsequent Preakness Stakes; and many feel Borel’s absence might decrease Mine That Bird’s chances of winning.

134th Preakness Stakes Favorites – 2009 Preakness Stakes Betting

  • Rachel Alexandra (Filly): Trainer S. Asmussen and Jockey C. Borel – While this lightning fast filly drew the 13th position for the start of the race, she is still the favorite for the Preakness. 53 fillys have ever competed in the race, and none have won since Nellie Morse in 1924.
  • Friesan Fire: Trainer L. Jones and Jockey G. Saez – Larry Jones’ Friesan Fire finished a disappointing 18th at the Kentucky Derby, yet still appears to be a favorite for the Preakness at 6-1 odds. Friesan will need a strong start at the Preakness to be a contender.
  • Mine That Bird: Trainer B. Woolley Jr. and Jockey M. Smith – Although famed jockey Calvin Borel will not be mounting Mine this weekend, the horse faces much more favorable odds of 6-1 at the Preakness compared to the 50-1 long shot at the Kentucky Derby. Mine that Bird is a strong finisher.
  • Pioneer of the Nile: Trainer B. Baffert and Jockey G. Gomez – Pioneer had a decent run at the Kentucky Derby, and is a favorite against Rachel Alexandra facing 5-1 odds. Trainer Bob Baffert is looking for a strong performance this weekend.
  • Musket Man: Trainer D. Ryan and Jockey E. Coa – Musket is favored at 8-1 odds at the Preakness, after a so-so performance at the Kentucky Derby. This horse is looking to be the winner this weekend, to recoup the high expectations many had at Churhill Downs.
  • Big Drama: Trainer D. Fawkes and Jockey J. Velazquez – Although Big Drama didn’t make the Derby, he’s looking strong for the Preakness. At 10-1 odds, many feel Big Drama could be a strong contender, and will be definitely rubbing elbows with the other top horses.

The course and terrain at Pimlico is considered fast by most horse racing experts, so look for some competitive times at the 134th Preakness. The course record holeder is Farma Way, who clocked in at 1:52.2 on May 11th, 1991. The race is limited to 13 competitors, all of which must qualify for the Preakness by winning other races beforehand.