Preakness Odds 2015: Latest Vegas Betting Lines Before Post Positions Draw
American Pharoah will try to take the next step toward a Triple Crown with a strong performance at the 2015 Preakness Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby favorite came through with an impressive victory at Churchill Downs, pulling away from a loaded field in front of Firing Line, Dortmund and many others. Now the horse will get a chance to continue his run on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Of course, there will be an entire field of competitors ready to cross that finish line first. Here is a complete look at the top favorites before Wednesday's post position draw.
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| American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 5-6 |
| Firing Line | Gary Stevens | Simon Callaghan | 5-1 |
| Dortmund | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | 11-2 |
| Danzig Moon | Julien Leparoux | Mark Casse | 25-1 |
| Divining Rod | Javier Castellano | Arnaud Delacour | 25-1 |
| Bodhisattva | Trevor McCarthy | Jose Corrales | 40-1 |
| Grand Bili | Tyler Gaffalione | Gustavo Delgado | 50-1 |
| Tale of Verve | Joel Rosario | Dallas Stewart | 50-1 |
Top Contenders
American Pharoah
According to Richard Rosenblatt of the Associated Press, trainer Bob Baffert called the Preakness the "easiest of the three legs."
It's certainly hard to argue with his experience after winning this event five times in his career. Three of those wins came after also winning the Kentucky Derby, which he did with American Pharoah two weeks ago.
Based on what we have seen lately, there is no reason to expect the horse to struggle the next time out. American Pharoah has won each of his last five starts, including four Grade 1 events and one Grade 2. The competition has consistently been great, but it hasn't stopped him from ending up in the winner's circle.
Owner Justin Zayat is certainly optimistic going into the weekend:
As long as there is room to run, American Pharoah will be a top contender to take home another title.
Firing Line
After two close losses to Dortmund in previous races, Firing Line was able to end up ahead of his rival with a second-place finish at the Kentucky Derby. Now jockey Gary Stevens wants to avenge his most recent loss.
"Hopefully we can turn the tables on American Pharaoh, the same as we did Dortmund," Stevens said, per Mike Farrell of the Associated Press. "But believe me, I have plenty of respect for all three horses. They are very, very good and exceptional colts."
In six career starts, Firing Line has never finished worse than second. He is always among the top contenders in each race and always finds a way to be near the front of the pack.
No matter where the thoroughbred starts the race, he will have a good chance to end up in the money.
Dortmund
Baffert could be hurting his own chances of winning a Triple Crown by entering Dortmund in the Preakness. The horse is one of the most talented in the field, coming into the Kentucky Derby with six wins in as many races.
His pure speed was on display throughout most of the Kentucky Derby as the pace-setter before falling off at the very end.
Still, Brian DiDonato of Thoroughbred Daily News gave plenty of credit to the colt:
If Dortmund can get a favorable position and get out in front, jockey Martin Garcia will try to learn from his experience and find a way to finish first on Saturday.
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