Naturally, it’s for the Kentucky Derby winner to skip the second leg of the Triple Crown. Specifically, that race is the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore. To show, if the horse is healthy, he runs as the traditional favorite with the 2023 Preakness Stakes odds. However, that rare occurrence came last year with Rich Strike. But that will not be a worry for 2023 Derby winner Mage. Last week his handlers officially announced today the colt would run in the 148th Preakness on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pre-Derby’s favorite Forte is not expected to run in the Preakness.
2023 Preakness Stakes
| Date: | Saturday, May 20, 2023. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
2023 Preakness Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mage | 3-1 |
| First Mission | 5-1 |
| Blazing Sevens | 12-1 |
| Confidence Game | 12-1 |
| Disarm | 12-1 |
| Henry Q | 12-1 |
| Perform | 15-1 |
| Red Route One | 16-1 |
| National Treasure | 18-1 |
| Instant Coffee | 20-1 |
| Chase The Chaos | 33-1 |
| Il Miracolo | 50-1 |
2023 Preakness Stakes SBG Odds Overview
As mentioned earlier, Kentucky Derby winner Mage has been confirmed by his connections for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes.
Last Tuesday, Mage returned to the track at Churchill Downs for trainer Gustavo Delgado. Mage then went for another gallop Friday morning that his connections had indicated would be key in assessing his status for the second leg of the Triple Crown. Following the gallop, members of his own team confirmed their intent to enter the Pimlico sportsbook classic.
In turn, Delgado announced that Mage would depart the track by van for Baltimore last Saturday afternoon. In sum, the trip is estimated to take about nine hours.
Namely, moving on to the Preakness means that a straightforward Derby winner will attempt to match his feat for the first time since Justify swept the Triple Crown in 2018.
Previously, in 2019, Maximum Security crossed the line first in the Kentucky Derby but was disqualified for interference. Neither he nor promoted Derby winner Country House ran in the Preakness.
Next, in 2020, the Belmont Stakes was held in June before the September Kentucky Derby during the pandemic-shuffled Triple Crown. Authentic defeated Belmont winner Tiz the Law in the Derby. And then the filly Swiss Skydiver beat Authentic in the Preakness, the final leg of the series, in October.
In 2021, Medina Spirit’s positive post-race test for betamethasone was revealed early Preakness Stakes week. As a result, that result placed his Derby first-place finish under the microscope. With Derby runner-up Mandaloun not present in Baltimore, Medina Spirit finished third in the Preakness.
An Encouraging Workout
Mage galloped about 1½ miles at a brisk pace with exercise rider J.J. Delgado aboard on a cloudy but mild Friday morning at the track. Following the workout, co-owner Ramiro Restrepo said the chestnut colt was “thriving” with good energy levels. It was Mage’s first training session since winning the 149th Derby.
Mage is coming off a one-length victory over Two Phil’s in the Derby at 15-1 odds. Following a slow start, Mage charged into contention, entering the stretch. The son of Good Magic and Puca by 2008 Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown earned a signature win. Previously Mage ran second and fourth in the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth, respectively. Additionally, he didn’t run as a 2-year-old. But Mage won his debut at Gulfstream by nearly four lengths.
If Mage beats the 2023 Preakness Stakes Odds, he can run for the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes.