2011 Preakness Stakes Odds: 3 Longshot Bets That Could Really Pay off

The only thing that horse racing fans want to see more than Animal Kingdom getting two thirds of the way to the Triple Crown is a winning ticket in their hand that nets them a big payday.

The best way to do that is to reach deep down into the field and find a winner with some long odds but a reason to bet on them.

Everyone knows that the lines are ever-changing but these three horses will most likely garner a healthy profit for the adventuresome bettor right up until post time. 

Midnight Interlude

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - APRIL 30: Midnight Interlude runs during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

One of the carry overs from the Kentucky Derby, Midnight Interlude will be looking to alter their strategy at Pimlico. 

This horse has performed well in the longer distances—with two victories in races of a mile or more—which makes the low finish in the Kentucky Derby very disappointing.

However, that experience and the smaller field should give Victor Espinoza and Bob Baffert a better opportunity at crafting a more effective strategy for this race. 

Norman Asbjornson

Sired by former Preakness winner Real Quiet, this colt has two victories and strong showings against competitive fields leading up to the Preakness.

Experts agree that Norman has a pedigree more suited for stamina than speed but the Preakness could be just outside the length where he can stay competitive. Critics point to his fade to fourth in the 1 1/8 mile Wood Memorial as the reason for his not being more highly touted in this race.

Still, if the training regimen has changed and been tailored to the rigors of Pimlico, Norman Asbjornson might not fade this time.

Concealed Identity

Concealed Identity has two wins in two months at Pimlico leading up to the Preakness. Sounds like a horse that is pretty comfortable on this track heading into Saturday.

Obviously, the field and the length are going to make things much tougher on Concealed Identity in his bid for a third win in three months. 

Being a product of Maryland and sired by past Preakness great Smarty Jones should make Concealed Identity a hometown favorite come race day. Although, a bet for him to win will still generate a tidy profit right up until post time.