Preakness 2013: Horses That Will Challenge Orb on Path to Triple Crown

Those looking to see a horse win the Triple Crown for the first time since 1978 might have to wait a little longer, because there are some top competitors at the 2013 Preakness Stakes.

Orb won the 139th Kentucky Derby in convincing fashion thanks to a strong push on the final stretch after trailing the pack for much of the race. He has now won five races in a row and should be the overwhelming favorite to continue this dominance at Pimlico.

Still, winning the second leg of the Triple Crown will not be as easy as some anticipate. The following horses have a lot of talent and experience and will be able to challenge for a victory at this exciting event. 

Goldencents

After winning the Santa Anita Derby, Goldencents was one of the favorites heading into Churchill Downs. Unfortunately, he simply could not compete on the wet course and finished in 17th place.

Still, the pure speed is there for him to have a much better race this time around. He had four wins in six career starts entering the Kentucky Derby, and the experienced team of jockey Kevin Krigger and trainer Doug O'Neill should be able to get the horse back on track.

Goldencents is a fast starter, so he will need a good post position to succeed. However, the smaller field and hopefully dryer conditions should lead to a much better performance at the Preakness.

Mylute

While jockey Rosie Napravnik was unable to become the first female to win the Kentucky Derby, she had quite an impressive run at the race.

Mylute got off to a terrible start and was in 16th place after three-quarters of a mile into the run. However, it was able to close strong and get up to fifth place.

With a better opening run, both the jockey and the horse have the talent to truly challenge for first place in this anticipated event, and Napravnik is excited for the opportunity:

Although Mylute does not have many career wins, he has run a number of great races against top competition, and it is only a matter of time until he is able to reach the winner's circle in a marquee event like the Preakness.

Govenor Charlie

For the first time in a few years, famed trainer Bob Baffert did not have a horse running in the Kentucky Derby. Govenor Charlie had enough points to qualify, but a foot bruise kept him out of the competition.

Now that the horse is well-rested, he is expected to come back with a vengeance against the loaded field.

Govenor Charlie only has three career starts with two wins, although the latest victory at the Sunland Derby is enough to convince people that he is ready for the top competition in the sport. 

With his pure speed and Baffert's experience at the Preakness—he has won the event five times—this team is fully capable of a first-place finish. Orb could be in some serious trouble if he falls behind on Saturday.

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