California Chrome, seen here winning the San Felipe, will be the favorite for the Preakness Stakes (Photo credit: © Cheryl Quigley | Dreamstime.com)
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner California Chrome arrived at Pimlico on Monday afternoon and continues to take much of the early wagering action, his price down to 5/8 in the latest Preakness odds released by Bovada.
A winner of five straight starts by a combined 26 lengths, the colt won the Run for the Roses by 1 3/4 lengths over longshot Commanding Curve as the 5-2 betting favorite.
The Art Sherman trainee arrived in Baltimore after a van trip from Churchill Downs, the colt is looking to become the first California bred to win the Preakness since Snow Chief in 1986. A win on Saturday will send him to Belmont Park for the Belmont Stakes (G1) and possibly the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
It appears the colt will face eight or nine foes, with entries and post positions drawn on Wednesday. As of now, of the 18 runners he beat on Derby Day, only Ride On Curlin and General A Rod will wheel back on two weeks rest to attempt to turn the tables.
Sherman’s son Alan accompanied the Derby champ to Baltimore and has been happy with what he has seen since his victory.
“Everything went great,” said Sherman. “He just stood there. He loved getting his picture taken. I’m not scared, I’m just excited. It’s quite the experience. We’ve never gone through anything like this before.”
Sherman said the Derby winner would gallop up to the race each morning, with no formal workout planned.
Latest Preakness Betting Odds via Bovada
California Chrome 5/8
Danza 7/1
Social Inclusion 8/1
Bayern 12/1
Ride on Curlin 12/1
Kid Cruz 14/1
Dynamic Impact 16/1
Strong Mandate 18/1
General A Rod 25/1
Pablo Del Monte 25/1
Ring Weekend 25/1
Ria Antonia 33/1
Will California Chrome win the 2014 Preakness?
YES 5/8
NO 6/5
Will California Chrome win the 2014 Triple Crown?
NO 1/3
YES 2/1
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.
