California Chrome is the chalk for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico (Photo credit: Maryland Jockey Club).
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner California Chrome is going to be the heavy betting favorite next Saturday when he seeks to keep his Triple Crown dreams alive in the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico in Baltimore, Md.
The Art Sherman trainee is currently at -130 in Preakness betting odds released by BetOnline. The colt beat 18 foes in the Run for the Roses, 1 ¾ lengths clear of runner up Commanding Curve, who is bypassing the Preakness in favor of the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7.
Bovada is taking wagers on whether California Chrome will win the Triple Crown. The current odds are 5-8 for Yes and 6-5 for No.
Most of the 18 foes he beat at Churchill Downs are skipping the Preakness, with only third place finisher Danza and seventh place finisher Ride On Curlin appearing likely to race.
The Todd Pletcher trained Danza is currently at early betting odds of +550, good for second choice. Ride On Curlin is listed at +800.
The biggest threat among those that did not compete in the Kentucky Derby is Social Inclusion, who is at betting odds of +600. The colt won his first two starts by a combined 17 ½ lengths and checked in third in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct in his stakes debut.
The Bob Baffert trained Bayern is at +800. The colt was third in the Arkansas Derby (G3) at Oaklawn Park and then crossed the wire first in the Derby Trial (G3) at Churchill Downs on April 26, but was disqualified for interference and placed second.
There was talk of Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Untapable taking on the boys in the Preakness, but trainer Steve Asmussen is not pointing her to Baltimore. However, there will be a filly taking on the boys.
Ria Antonia, who was a dull sixth in the Kentucky Oaks, is being pointed toward the Preakness. The filly was sent out by Bob Baffert in her last two starts, but she has been moved to the Tom Amoss barn. She is currently listed at odds of +4000.
2014 Preakness Betting Odds as of May 7 via BetOnline:
Bayern +800
California Chrome -130
Danza +550
Dynamic Impact +800
Kid Cruz +2000
Pablo Del Monte +2000
Ria Antonia +4000
Ride On Curlin +800
Ring Weekend +3000
Social Inclusion +600
Michael Dempsey’s Preakness Day Report
Michael’s Report includes his selections, analysis, fair odds line, and wagering recommendations for the entire Preakness Day card from historic Pimlico. Michael is a Maryland bred and knows the circuit from the backstretch to the finish line.
The second jewel of the Triple Crown will be run on Saturday May 17 at Pimlico. The big day of racing has eight supporting stakes including the $400,000 Dixie Stakes, $150,000 Gallorette Handicap and the $150,000 Maryland Sprint Handicap. Mike’s Report will be available on Friday May 16.
