The second leg of the Triple Crown is this weekend, with the Preakness Stakes ready to roll tomorrow. We brought on Director of Marketing Racing Rich Nilsen to help us pick a winning horse, as he has an extensive background in U.S. racing.
What are the key differences between this yearâs Preakness field versus the Kentucky Derby?
Nilsen:Â “This year’s Preakness is a completely different race than the large field and hot pace featured in the Kentucky Derby. Saturday’s race features a short 7-horse field with a sharp newcomer in National Treasure.”
How are you expecting the odds to change for the top contenders with First Mission scratched?
Nilsen: “With the big scratch of First Mission, who was the second choice, Mage will be much lower than his original +160 odds. He will be an odds-on favorite and National Treasure (who was first +400) will be around +200.”
Who is your pick to win the Preakness?
Nilsen: “National Treasure is a sharp shooter coming in for the always dangerous Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fame horseman has won the Preakness a record seven times, and this horse is sitting on a good race.”
