Preakness 2023: Predicting Post Kentucky Derby Odds and Preview

The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby saw Mage take the crown, but it will perhaps be best known for the disastrous events that preceded the race.

Seven horses died, and the betting favorite was scratched the morning of the race. This led to a field that was wide-open, something the inexperienced Mage took advantage of. This leads horse-racing enthusiasts into the next major race, the Preakness Stakes.

It's not yet known if Mage will be in the Preakness to try to build towards the Triple Crown, as assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. said they will evaluate the thoroughbred's condition over the next few days. If he were to not enter the race, it would mirror last season when Rich Strike did not enter the race.

If Mage were to enter, he would be vying to become the 14th horse to win the coveted Triple Crown. The most recent time it happened was Justify in 2018, and it has only happened twice in the 21st century.

Still, Mage's presence alone would not guarantee him as a favorite to win the Preakness. Forte could be back for that race, and several of the Derby competitors have favorable odds to win as well.

Odds Predictions

If Forte is in the field, the stallion should be the top contender. The horse had 3-1 odds for the future wager and is 2-0 in races in 2023.

Still, the injury sustained will at least hinder the training, and that could impact the chances of contention. It would not be shocking to see Forte drop in the odds.

If Mage enters the race, the odds should increase from 12th best, but it's unlikely that he will rise to be the top contender.

Two Phil's and Angel of Empire, who were second and third in the Derby respectively, should also be top contenders. Two Phil's, a Chicago product, led for a lengthy portion of the race and had 25-1 odds in the future wager. Angel of Empire had a late push that nearly allowed him to catch up, and entered the race with top odds after Forte dropped out. The future wager gave the thoroughbred 9-1 odds.

Another horse with a strong case would be Verifying. The stallion finished 16th at the Derby but entered with 14-1 odds. Verifying has one victory in 2023 and had a solid second-place finish at the 2023 Blue Grass Stakes. It's also been noted that his running style may have more success at the Preakness, which is a shorter race.

The futures wager gave Verifying 25-1 odds. Other horses with solid odds include Derma Sotogake (14-1), First Mission (11-1) and Tapit Trice (12-1).

The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 20th.