2022 Preakness Stakes - Preview and Pick
Last Updated: 05/20/2022 at 10:05 PM ET
The 147th running of the Preakness Stakes takes place in Baltimore at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, with a post time of 7:01 pm. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will not take part in the second leg of the Triple Crown, but nine talented thoroughbreds will leave the gate on Saturday. The draw for the post of the session was early this week and the favorite, Epicenter, will be leaving from Gate 8.
Epicenter is the big favorite to win on Saturday after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old colt has finished first or second in each of the last six races he has participated in. Trainer Steve Asmussen has been victorious in two previous Preakness Stakes. However, Secret Oath will be a big contender on Saturday. The three-year-old filly attempts to become the first filly to win the Preakness since 2009.
Only six fillies have won the Preakness Stakes, but Secret Oak recently won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs and has four victories in her last five races. Only Epicenter and Early Voting have shorter odds than Secret Oak following the post position selection. Secret Oath will leave from Gate 4, which is an excellent draw for the filly.
As a longshot, Creative Minister cannot be overlooked on Saturday by the favorites. Create Minister was a winner on April 18 at Keeneland and has just three races to his credit but has two victories and a second place finish. Creative Minister will leave from Gate 2 and if able to get out front early and take the rail, could be hard to catch by the others. Creative Minister trainer Kenny McPeek was victorious at the Preakness in 2020.
Other thoroughbreds in the 147th Preakness Stakes include Simplification, Fenwick, Happy Jack, Armagnac and Skippylongstocking. The biggest longshots following the Gate position selection are Fenwick at 50-1 and Skippylongstocking at 20-1. Epicenter is currently 6-5, while Early Voting has the second shortest odds at 7-2, while Secret Oath is third at 9-2.
Although oddsmakers believe Epicenter will cross the wire first at the 147th running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, I like Creative Minister (10-1). The three-year old has two wins and one second in three career races. Creative Minister is a strong closer and long shot Rich Strike, who won the Kentucky Derby, also came off the pace to win. Creative Minister was second in his debut at Gulfstream Park last March but won each of the next two races at Keeneland followed by Churchill Downs. Creative Minister will surprise many by winning Saturday's “Middle Jewel” of the Triple Crown. Final Prediction, Creative Minister 10-1.
