Preakness 2016: Breaking Down Nyquist's Odds and Predictions for Race

There is a pretty good possibility that horse racing fans could be spoiled for a second straight year thanks to Nyquist.

The Kentucky Derby winner put together a strong performance at Churchill Downs on Saturday and is already the favorite for the second leg of the Triple Crown, which is the Preakness Stakes.

Horse	Odds	Kentucky Derby Finish
Nyquist	5-7	1st
Exaggerator	9-2	2nd
Stradivari	12-1	Didn't Compete
Gun Runner	14-1	3rd
Suddenbreakingnews	14-1	5th
Destin	16-1	6th
Mor Spirit	16-1	10th
Creator	16-1	13th
Outwork	20-1	14th
Dazzling Gem	20-1	Didn't Compete
Collected	25-1	Didn't Compete
Cherry Wine	25-1	Didn't Compete
Swipe	25-1	Didn't Compete
Uncle Lino	33-1	Didn't Compete
Fellowship	33-1	Didn't Compete
Awesome Speed	33-1	Didn't Compete
Lani	33-1	9th
Laoban	40-1	Didn't Compete

Prediction

Nyquist Will Win the Preakness

At 1 3/16 miles, the Preakness is shorter than the Kentucky Derby, which is at 1 1/4 miles. That can play perfectly into Nyquist's favor given his biggest threat.

In the Kentucky Derby, Nyquist maintained a solid start, remained at the front of the pack and made his move on the outside stretch to take the lead.

It was only in the final furlongs that second-place Exaggerator, who is known for making big-time pushes late in races, made a four- or five-length lead a 1 1/4-length one.

NBC Sports showed the race replay:

Given his consistent style of running, there's little doubt Nyquist will be toward the front in the early portions of the race. His only threat would be getting run down from behind down the stretch. But because the Preakness is shorter than the Kentucky Derby, Nyquist should be able to hold off another late surge from Exaggerator.