The wait is finally over! The 149th Preakness Stakes has arrived in its typical spot on the calendar, two weeks removed from the Kentucky Derby.
Preakness odds were announced following Monday's post draw, with the Bob Baffert-trained Muth opening as the favorite over Derby winner Mystik Dan, but Muth is out of the race after spiking a fever.
With live Preakness odds up and running, here is our latest update heading into this evening's highly-anticipated race:
Preakness Stakes 2024 odds
| Post | Horse |  * |
 ** |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | +1,800 | 18-1 | +6,600 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | +700 | 7-1 | +1,000 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | +350 | 7-2 | +350 |
| 4 | OTB | OTB | OTB | |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | +300 | 3-1 | +175 |
| 6 | Seize the Grey | +800 | 8-1 | +2,000 |
| 7 | Just Steel | +900 | 9-1 | +1,400 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | +400 | 4-1 | +450 |
| 9 | Imagination | +400 | 4-1 | +450 |
Odds as of 5-18-2024 at 2:45 p.m. ET.
*FanDuel Racing odds available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY
**bet365 Preakness odds are not available in the United States
Preakness Stakes live odds update
As of 2:45 p.m. local time, Mystik Dan is favored over Catching Freedom by a half-point with over $4.4 million in the win pool. For reference, there was over $22 million wagered just to win, place, and show in last year's Preakness, so there's still plenty of money that will come in and possibly alter the odds significantly.
Rain was intermittent at Pimlico Race Course all morning, although precipitation is expected to taper off in the afternoon giving way to cloudy skies. The less-than-ideal weather could be especially good news for Mystik Dan, who has previously flourished under similar conditions.
2024 Preakness Stakes favorites
Mystik Dan
Mystik Dan blew away the Southwest Stakes field before settling for third in the Arkansas Derby. Then he took advantage of a perfect trip to take down the 150th Kentucky Derby. How will he fare as the hunted rather than the hunter this Saturday?
Catching Freedom
Catching Freedom rallied late to be fourth in the Kentucky Derby after posting some solid results in the prep races (first in Louisiana Derby and Smarty Jones Stakes, third in Risen Star). How will he do on the short turnaround with slightly less ground to work with?
2024 Preakness Stakes long shot to watch
Tuscan Gold
Tuscan Gold was last seen running third in the Grade II Louisiana Derby behind Catching Freedom, but he'll have the freshness advantage over that rival who exits a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Tuscan Gold continues to climb in the speed-figure department and offers promise of improvement in just his fourth lifetime start. Trainer Chad Brown's two career Preakness victories have occurred with "new shooters" like this son of Medaglia d'Oro.
Preakness Stakes picks and predictions
Our experts are making Preakness Stakes picks and building bets all week.
What is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is an annual horse racing event held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the most prestigious thoroughbred horse races in the United States and is the second jewel of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.
The Preakness Stakes has a long history dating back to 1873, making it one of the oldest races in American horse racing. It is a Grade I stakes race, meaning it attracts top-class horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the country. The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and they compete over a distance of 1 3/16 miles (approximately 9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track.
The Preakness Stakes has become known for its exciting and fast-paced nature. It often draws a large crowd, with attendees sporting vibrant attire and participating in festive traditions. The race itself is a thrilling spectacle, as jockeys and horses sprint towards the finish line in hopes of securing victory and moving closer to a potential Triple Crown title.
Traditionally, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, moves on to compete in the Preakness Stakes. If the same horse wins both races, it has a chance to complete the Triple Crown by racing in the Belmont Stakes. The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018.
New Users
$500 No Sweat First Bet! Claim Now
See FanDuel T&Cs
FanDuel Racing offer available only in AR, CA, DE, ID, FL, MN, MT, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, WA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
21+ and present in select states. FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
New Users
Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets! Claim Now
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds of past Preakness Stakes winners
Here are the winners of the Preakness Stakes since 2002, their post positions, and their morning line odds.
| Year | Preakness Stakes Winner | Post Position | Morning line odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2023 | National Treasure | 1 | 4/1 |
| 2022 | Early Voting | 5 | 5/1 |
| 2021 | Rombauer | 6 | 12/1 |
| 2020 | Swiss Skydiver | 4 | 11/1 |
| 2019 | War of Will | 1 | 4/1 |
| 2018 | Justify | 7 | 1/2 |
| 2017 | Cloud Computing | 2 | 12/1 |
| 2016 | Exaggerator | 5 | 3/1 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | 1 | 4/5 |
| 2014 | California Chrome | 3 | 3/5 |
| 2013 | Oxbow | 6 | 15/1 |
| 2012 | I'll Have Another | 9 | 5/2 |
| 2011 | Shackleford | 5 | 12/1 |
| 2010 | Lookin At Lucky | 7 | 3/1 |
| 2009 | Rachel Alexandra | 13 | 8/5 |
| 2008 | Big Brown | 6 | 1/5 |
| 2007 | Curlin | 4 | 7/2 |
| 2006 | Bernardini | 8 | 8/1 |
| 2005 | Afleet Alex | 12 | 6/5 |
| 2004 | Smarty Jones | 7 | 2/5 |
| 2003 | Funny Cide | 9 | 1/1 |
| 2002 | War Emblem | 8 | 3/1 |
Everything you need to know about Pimlico Race Course
- Pimlico Race Course is located in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It has been the on-and-off home of the Preakness Stakes since the race's inception in 1873, holding the race continuously since 1909.
- Pimlico Race Course features a one-mile dirt track, which is the surface used for the Preakness Stakes. The oval track has a circumference of 1 1/16 miles, and the stretch run is 1,152 feet long. The track surface is known for its distinct reddish-brown color.
- The most notable feature of the Pimlico track is its tight turns. The turns are known for being challenging, especially the first turn, which is often described as sharp and demanding. The configuration of the track can impact a horse's running style and requires jockeys and horses to navigate the turns skillfully.
- Pimlico Race Course has a seating capacity of approximately 125,000 spectators. The facility offers various amenities, including grandstand seating, luxury suites, dining options, and wagering facilities. The track also hosts other races and events throughout the year.
- Pimlico Race Course holds a significant place in horse racing history, as it is the second-oldest racetrack in the United States. "Old Hilltop" has witnessed many memorable moments throughout its long history, including the match race in the 1938 Pimlico Special where Seabiscuit defeated War Admiral.
Which states have legal betting on the Preakness Stakes?
Find the best horse racing betting sites in your region. The best betting sites offer sharp odds, and quick payouts and are safe and secure when it comes to depositing and withdrawing your money.
Canada (excluding Ontario)
Almost all sports betting sites offer fixed-odds betting on horse racing. Check out the best sports betting sites in Canada or sign up now with one of our top partners, Bet365, and earn up to $200 in bet credits!
Ontario
Following the changes to the iGaming regulations on April 4, 2022, horse racing betting is no longer available at sportsbooks. Those in Ontario who are looking to bet on the Preakness Stakes will need to sign up at one of Woodbine's two online offerings, HPIbet and Dark Horse Bets
Preakness Stakes FAQ
The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD.
The Preakness Stakes is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles (1.91 kilometers), or 9.5 furlongs. It is the shortest of the Triple Crown races.
The fastest time recorded in the history of the Preakness Stakes at its present distance is 1:53.00. This record was set by Secretariat in 1973. Secretariat is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
