Preakness Stakes 2018 - Free Handicapping Picks, Odds, & Predictions

On Saturday May 19, the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes will take place at Pimlico Race course in Baltimore, Maryland. The second leg of the Triple Crown will have a purse of $1.5 million with a post time of 6:20 PM EST.

On Wednesday the post draw was held with favorite and Kentucky Derby winner Justify drawing the No. 7 post position. Justify is the 1-2 morning line favorite but will be starting outside after in the eight-horse event. Good Magic, the runner up to Justify on May 5 in the Derby is the second choice at 3 to 1 odds and drew the No. 5 post.

It appears that Justify will have little competition in Saturday’s race, with Good Magic his runner up at Churchill Downs on May 5 in the Derby, his only true challenger. However, there is always the chance of a long shot or dark horse coming on strong down the stretch.

Bob Baffert-trained Justify, with Mike Smith aboard, appears to be ready to take the second leg of the Triple Crown. Baffert has had four previous winners at the Kentucky Derby and each one has won at Pimlico two weeks later. While Justify and Good Magic are the two best horses in Saturday’s race, fans and bettors cannot overlook Quip, who could spoil the Preakness for both Justify and Good Magic if he can put together a race he is capable of.

The Rodolphe Brisset-trained horse won the Tampa Bay Stakes back in March and was the runner up to Magnum Moon, a participant in the Kentucky Derby, at the Arkansas Derby in April. Quip will leave from the No. 1 gate and is currently 12 to 1 to win.

While it would be a big upset for Quip to beat both Justify and Good Magic, he could give them both a big challenge early, which could make the riders of both Justify and Good Magic change their race plans during the event.

Unlike four horses, including Justify and Good Magic that raced at Churchill Downs, Quip was held back to race at the Preakness. His fresh legs could make a big difference down the stretch at Pimlico on Saturday.