Preakness 2014 Post Positions: Horse Odds, Prize Money Predictions and More
The stage is set for the 2014 Preakness Stakes, so sit back, take a sip of your black-eyed Susan and get ready for a dazzling spectacle at Pimlico.
There's certainly some need-to-know information before California Chrome makes a run at the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Let's break down the race's pertinent information before these contenders take the track.
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Post Positions and Odds
Post positions can wildly affect a horse's chances of emerging victorious. Even with a small 10-horse field, getting stuck against the rail can be devastating. Conversely, starting from the far outside can prove be a daunting task, as plenty of ground must be covered.
Odds obviously play a big part in horse racing. This sport is a huge pastime, and betting is one big reason why. Take a look at how your favorite horse stacks up against the field.
| 1 | Dynamic Impact | 12-1 |
| 2 | General a Rod | 15-1 |
| 3 | California Chrome | 3-5 |
| 4 | Ring Weekend | 20-1 |
| 5 | Bayern | 10-1 |
| 6 | Ria Antonia | 30-1 |
| 7 | Kid Cruz | 20-1 |
| 8 | Social Inclusion | 5-1 |
| 9 | Pablo Del Monte | 20-1 |
| 10 | Ride On Curlin | 10-1 |
Prize Money Predictions
Successful bettors aren't the only ones who will make some serious bank following the 139th Preakness Stakes. The race's top-five finishers are set to make a great deal of cash. Here's a look at how the $1.5 million purse could be distributed.
| 1st | 60% | $900,000 |
| 2nd | 20% | $300,000 |
| 3rd | 11% | $165,000 |
| 4th | 6% | $90,000 |
| 5th | 3% | $45,000 |
Final Predictions
How could we possibly leave out a little bit of speculation?
With 3-5 odds, 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome is a heavy favorite to earn his sixth straight race at Pimlico. He's been absolutely flawless of late, putting on a sparkling performance at Churchill Downs to defeat Commanding Curve by 1 3/4 lengths.
After the Derby, owner Steve Coburn had a bold prediction, according to a tweet from Kyle Tucker of The Courier-Journal:
The speedy Social Inclusion may have the best shot at dethroning California Chrome. He's starting a bit wide at the eighth position but has the quickness and endurance to burst to the front of the pack and maintain a lead.
According to a tweet from Jay Bossert of the New York Daily News, owner Ron Sanchez has some lofty expectations for Social Inclusion:
Bayern, Ride On Curlin and Ring Weekend also figure to be well in the mix Saturday.
Jay Privman of the Daily Racing Form tweeted his thoughts on Ride On Curlin's Preakness workouts:
With all of this taken into consideration, here's a look at how the 2014 Preakness Stakes could shake out:
| 1 | California Chrome | 3-5 |
| 2 | Social Inclusion | 5-1 |
| 3 | Bayern | 10-1 |
| 4 | Ring Weekend | 20-1 |
| 5 | Ride On Curlin | 10-1 |
While the race appears to be California Chrome's to lose, he has plenty of stiff competition to get through.
As we know, horse racing is completely unpredictable. Anything can happen over the duration of a race.
One thing is for certain, though: We are in for a wild ride at Pimlico on Saturday.
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