The field has shrunk and the post positions are set at the Preakness Stakes with a familiar name at the top of the betting odds.
Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah is the betting favorite at 5/6, according to Oddsshark.com. Eight horses will compete Saturday in the second leg of the Triple Crown, with Dortmund and Firing Line as the next-best options at 15/4 and 17/4, respectively.
The longest shot is Tale of Verve at 50/1.
All eyes will be on American Pharoah, with Victor Espinoza looking to repeat as Preakness champion, after riding California Chrome to victory last year. During the 2000s, Espinoza also has earned a first place in the Preakness in 2002.
Trainer Bob Baffert has seen more success at the annual race, but it hasn’t been too recent. Baffert’s last win was in 2010 with Lookin at Lucky. His other wins were in 2002 (with Espinoza), 2001, 1998 and 1997.
If betting on the actual race doesn’t provide the necessary drama, bettors can opt for other options, like picking American Pharoah to win or lose the Triple Crown. If picking the horse to win the Triple Crown, it would pay +225. Winning money won’t be so easy if picking against American Pharoah to win the Triple Crown, paying -350.
