In the Preakness Stakes, thoroughbred horses compete in a thrilling race. These horses are renowned for their exceptional athleticism and speed, each possessing a unique blend of stamina, agility, and power. As they burst from the starting gate, they thunder down the track, propelled by the relentless drive and determination of their jockeys. The Preakness Stakes is a testament to the unmatched grace, speed, and competitive spirit of these magnificent creatures.
Contenders with Classic Ambitions
The 148th Preakness Stakes is set to take place on May 21st, 2023, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it follows the Kentucky Derby and precedes the Belmont Stakes. This year’s race features a field of 10 horses, including several contenders with legitimate Classic aspirations.
Here are the top contenders in the 2023 Preakness Stakes:
- Epicenter – The Kentucky Derby runner-up is the morning line favorite for the Preakness. He has won three of his five starts this year, including the Louisiana Derby and the Risen Star Stakes G2.
- Creative Minister – The winner of the Wood Memorial Stakes G2 is another top contender for the Preakness. He has won three of his four starts this year, and he is trained by Kenny McPeek, who won the Preakness in 2019 with Always Dreaming.
- Early Voting – The winner of the Preakness Stakes G1 is another top contender for the Preakness. He has won three of his five starts this year, including the Withers Stakes G3 and the Wood Memorial Stakes G2.
- Mo Donegal – The winner of the Wood Memorial Stakes G2 is another top contender for the Preakness. He has won three of his five starts this year, including the Remsen Stakes G2 and the Holy Bull Stakes G3.
- Simplification – The winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes G2 is another top contender for the Preakness. He has won three of his five starts this year, including the Fountain of Youth Stakes G2 and the Holy Bull Stakes G3.
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious races in American horse racing, and it is always an exciting event. This year’s race is expected to be no different, as several top contenders will be vying for the victory.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epicenter | Steve Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 9-5 |
| Creative Minister | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 5-2 |
| Early Voting | Chad Brown | Jose Ortiz | 7-2 |
| Mo Donegal | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 4-1 |
| Simplification | Antonio Sano | John Velazquez | 6-1 |
Kentucky Derby Also-Rans
The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, is set to take place on May 21, 2023, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Several horses that competed in the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, are expected to return for the Preakness.
Here are some of the Kentucky Derby also-rans that are likely to run in the Preakness:
- Epicenter (2nd place)
- Rich Strike (8th place)
- Simplification (4th place)
- Crown Pride (12th place)
- Barber Road (6th place)
In addition to the horses listed above, several other horses that did not run in the Kentucky Derby are also expected to compete in the Preakness, including:
- Early Voting (won the Withers Stakes)
- Creative Minister (won the Wood Memorial Stakes)
- Venus de Milo (won the Gazelle Stakes)
| Horse | Kentucky Derby Finish | Preakness Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Epicenter | 2nd | 2-1 |
| Rich Strike | 8th | 10-1 |
| Simplification | 4th | 6-1 |
| Crown Pride | 12th | 20-1 |
| Barber Road | 6th | 12-1 |
| Early Voting | N/A | 4-1 |
| Creative Minister | N/A | 8-1 |
| Venus de Milo | N/A | 15-1 |
What’s On Tap in the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it’s one of the most exciting races on the horse racing calendar. This year’s race is scheduled for May 20th, and there are a number of horses that could potentially win. Here are a few of the top contenders:
1. Epicenter
Epicenter is the current favorite to win the Preakness Stakes. He’s a talented colt who has won four of his five starts. He’s also the winner of the Kentucky Derby, so he’s proven that he can handle the pressure of a big race.
2. Rich Strike
Rich Strike is a long shot, but he’s a horse that could surprise people. He won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 80-1, so he’s proven that he can win when the odds are stacked against him.
3. Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk is a talented colt who has won two of his three starts. He’s the winner of the Wood Memorial Stakes, so he’s proven that he can handle the distance of the Preakness Stakes.
4. Simplification
Simplification is a colt who has won two of his four starts. He’s the winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes, so he’s proven that he can win on a big stage.
5. Creative Minister
Creative Minister is a colt who has won two of his three starts. He’s the winner of the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes, so he’s proven that he can handle the distance of the Preakness Stakes.
6. Early Voting
Early Voting is a colt who has won two of his four starts. He’s the winner of the Withers Stakes, so he’s proven that he can win on a big stage.
In addition to these top contenders, there are a number of other horses that could potentially upset the field. Here are a few of the horses that could surprise people:
- Zandon
- Mo Donegal
- Un Ojo
- Nest
- Secret Oath
The Preakness Stakes is always an exciting race, and this year’s race is sure to be no different. There are a number of horses that could potentially win, so it’s sure to be a close race.
| Horse | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Epicenter | Steve Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC |
| Rich Strike | Eric Redenauer | Red TR-racing LLC |
| Cyberpunk | Todd Pletcher | Corطف’s Edge Stable LLC |
| Simplification | Antonio Sano | Klaravich Stables Inc. |
| Creative Minister | Ken McPeek | Kathleen and Robert Robson |
| Early Voting | Chad Brown | Klaravich Stables Inc. |
Preakness Stakes 2023: Contenders and International Presence
The 148th Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is set to take place at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday, May 20th, 2023. As the excitement builds, let’s dive into the contenders vying for Preakness glory.
Contenders
- Epicenter (Morning Line Favorite): Dominant Kentucky Derby winner, looking to extend his streak.
- Early Voting: Impressive second-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, aiming for an upset.
- Smile Happy: Progressive runner with a strong late kick, posing a serious threat.
- Simplification: Consistent performer and Preakness Stakes runner-up in 2022, seeking redemption.
- Creative Minister: Top-class contender known for his speed and closing ability.
International Presence
The Preakness Stakes has attracted international attention in recent years, with several foreign-bred horses making their mark. In 2023, the following international contenders are expected:
| Horse | Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| Lunar Sovereign | Japan |
| Mischievous Alex | Argentina |
| Crimson Dragon | Canada |
These international entrants add an exciting dimension to the Preakness Stakes, showcasing the global reach of Thoroughbred racing.
And there you have it, folks! The lineup for the Preakness is set, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top. Thanks for joining us for this exciting update! Be sure to check back in later for all the latest news and updates on the Preakness and other horse racing events. Until next time, keep your saddles cinched tight and your hearts filled with the thrill of the race!