Expert Picks: Who Will Win the Preakness?
The Contenders:
The Preakness Stakes is a renowned annual horse racing event held every May. The race is the second leg of the famed Triple Crown and is contested over a distance of 9.5 furlongs at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This year, the race features a strong field of contenders, with some horses looking to avenge their losses from the Kentucky Derby. Here are the top contenders for the 2023 Preakness Stakes:
1. Medina Spirit
Medina Spirit is the early favorite for the Preakness Stakes. The colt won the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago and will be looking to add the second leg of the Triple Crown to his resume. However, the horse’s drug test controversy has cast a shadow over his win, and he might face disqualification pending the results of his second test.
2. Concert Tour
Concert Tour is another top contender for the Preakness Stakes. The colt was unbeaten in three races before finishing third in the Arkansas Derby. Concert Tour skipped the Kentucky Derby and will be well-rested for the Preakness. Trainer Bob Baffert has trained seven Preakness winners in the past, and Concert Tour has a decent chance of adding to his tally.
3. Midnight Bourbon
Midnight Bourbon finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby and will be looking to improve on his performance in the Preakness. The colt has shown consistency throughout his career and has finished in the top three in six of his eight career starts. Trainer Steve Asmussen has trained two Preakness winners in the past, and Midnight Bourbon might give him his third.
4. Rombauer
Rombauer won the El Camino Real Derby earlier this year and was fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes. The colt skipped the Kentucky Derby and will be well-rested for the Preakness. Trainer Michael McCarthy has never won a Triple Crown race, but Rombauer might change that for him.
Expert Picks:
Dan Illman
Dan Illman is a handicapper and analyst for DRF.com. He has picked the following horses for the Preakness:
- Win: Concert Tour
- Place: Rombauer
- Show: Midnight Bourbon
Mike Watchmaker
Mike Watchmaker is the national handicapper for DRF.com. He has picked the following horses for the Preakness:
- Win: Rombauer
- Place: Concert Tour
- Show: Medina Spirit
Joe Drape
Joe Drape is a sports reporter for the New York Times. He has picked the following horses for the Preakness:
- Win: Rombauer
- Place: Concert Tour
- Show: Medina Spirit
Final Thoughts
The Preakness Stakes always features a strong field of contenders, and this year is no different. Medina Spirit is the early favorite, but his drug test controversy might derail his Triple Crown hopes. Concert Tour, Midnight Bourbon, and Rombauer are all viable options to win the race, and it will be interesting to see which horse comes out on top. Only time will tell who will take home the second leg of the Triple Crown.