Preakness odds handicapping for the second jewel of the Triple Crown will be a little bit different than either Kentucky Derby handicapping or Belmont handicapping.
Preakness wagering begins with understanding that the Peakness is a shorter race than either the Derby or the Belmont which means different handicapping techniques must be used. Let’s consider some factors to remember when looking at Preakness .
Preakness odds handicapping should begin with understanding that Pimlico Race Course is much narrower than most other tracks and is known to favor speed horses. That doesn’t mean they always win but it is something to keep in mind. The speed horses that had no chance in the Kentucky Derby have a better chance to be winners in Preakness . History has shown that although speed holds up pretty well only about a fifth of the time does a horse go wire to wire to win in Preakness wagering.
Other factors to consider when looking at Preakness odds are the jockey and the trainer. It always helps to have a jockey that has won versus Preakness in the past. It also doesn’t hurt if the jockey rides at Pimlico on a regular basis. It is also important if a jockey works well with a trainer. If they have a nice winning percentage and are still together in Preakness odds that shows a combo you might want to consider.
Preakness odds will almost always have the Kentucky Derby winner as a heavy favorite. Sometimes the horse wins but sometimes he doesn’t. Even a horse that seems unbeatable like Fusaichi Pegasus didn’t come through in Preakness wagering. That horse went off as a huge favorite yet didn’t win versus the Preakness . In fact he was the shortest price ever in Preakness odds that did not win.
To recap, look at speed horses, jockey and trainer combo and value. Preakness wagering is not Kentucky Derby wagering, so don’t expect a huge payoff but it is not the Belmont so it is possible to put together a few tickets that can be profitable in Preakness.