Many gamblers are eagerly anticipating the May 1 race as Preakness Stakes odds will feature a Triple Crown candidate. There are four big factors to look at with Preakness Stakes betting and it is those we want to consider.
Preakness Stakes odds will be a challenge to handicap as the circumstances for the Preakness are far different than for the Kentucky Derby but the opportunities are still good. When handicapping the Preakness Stakes it is important to “Keep it Simple” and not try and re-invent the wheel. As always, the handicapping challenge of the Preakness Stakes is the same as it would be for any other horse race and that comes down to an evaluation of the horse, the trainer, the jockey, and the owner. Combine those four key components and then match them up with the price on the board to determine if there is enough value to make a wager.
The evaluation of a horse for Preakness Stakes betting comes down to pedigree and past performance. The science of thoroughbred breeding is very precise in the modern era and you can quickly find out with just a bit of research whether a horse was bred for speed and or endurance and stamina. There are plenty of horses that combine the two but many others that have a known supply for one over the other. The recent performance chart should be studied carefully to ascertain stamina and momentum. The last race is not enough to go on. Look for patterns.
Trainers are always a key item when trying to pick which horse will beat the Preakness Stakes odds. A trainer such as Bob Baffert will offer plenty of credibility and excellence, not to mention a solid record at the Preakness Stakes itself. Some trainers do better at certain tracks and Baffert, along with D. Wayne Lucas, have had the most consistent success at the Preakness Stakes. Steve Asmussen is yet another name to keep in mind as he has trained two out of the last three Preakness Stakes winners.
An experienced winning jockey has an importance that simply cannot be measured enough. Pat Day once owned the Pimlico Race Course with three consecutive Preakness Stakes wins in 1994-1996 and no jockey has repeated since then. As always, however, the Preakness Stakes will attract the best in the game. Ownership is also important as it is in any sport. Look for a quality owner with a proven record of success and one that attracts top personnel to his farm.