With this year’s Kentucky Derby now behind us, the world of horse racing turns their attention to the 2022 Preakness Stakes. This will be the 147th running of the Preakness, with the history of the race dating all the way back to 1873. Commonly referred to as ‘The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown’, the Preakness Stakes is one of the biggest horse races of the year.
This annual event takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby on the third Saturday in May and represents the second leg of the sport’s Triple Crown. The event is run on a dirt track that measures 1 and 3⁄16 miles (9.5 furlongs). The 2022 Preakness Stakes is getting set for next Saturday, May 21, with the prestigious horse race taking place at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland.
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With so much at stake in this horse race, the Preakness has become a major sports betting event. With so many Preakness Stakes odds and bet types available at Bovada Sportsbook, you can take the excitement of the day to a whole other level by betting on the race. From win, place and show bets to exotic wagers like exactas, quinellas and trifectas, betting on the Preakness can lead to some massive payouts.
The big story leading up to the 2022 Preakness isn’t focused on who’s in the race but rather, who’s not in the race; Rich Strike, who recently won the Kentucky Derby at 80/1 odds, will skip the Preakness and instead focus on preparing for the Belmont Stakes. This is the first time the Kentucky Derby winner has skipped the Preakness since 1985 (outside of injury or illness) and it means there won’t be a Triple Crown winner this season.
Despite Rich Strike’s absence, this is still shaping up to be a tremendous horse race and betting event. There are several horses with a real chance to win this race and they can provide you with a real chance to walk away with a very large payout. Before you start placing any bets on this year’s race, let’s review the top betting favorites to win the 2022 Preakness Stakes, based on their current betting odds at Bovada Sportsbook.
2022 Preakness Stakes Odds & Favorites
Epicenter +125
Entering as the Preakness Stakes favorite, with his current odds at +125, Epicenter will look to improve on his runner-up finish a few weeks earlier at the Kentucky Derby. Epicenter was also the betting favorite at that Kentucky Derby, however, was caught in the final strides by eventual winner Rich Strike. With wins at the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2), Epicenter is looking like a great bet to win the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
Early Voting +350
This Chad Brown-trained colt may only have three professional races on his resume, but Early Voting has impressed with wins at a Maiden Special Weight race and Withers (G3). While he was pulled from the Kentucky Derby, this horse has shown he can keep up with stiffer competition, placing second in the Wood Memorial (G2). The upcoming Preakness Stakes could end up being Early Voting’s official coming out party.
Secret Oath +400
Another popular betting option leading up to the big race, Secret Oath caught the attention of odds makers and betting experts following the three-year-old filly’s recent victory at the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Secret Oath has placed in all four of her races in 2022, winning three and finishing third in another. Consequently, she is gathering a lot of momentum leading up to this year’s Preakness.
Simplification +500
A three-year-old colt trained by Antonio Sano, Simplification’s current betting odds make him an intriguing pick to win this year’s Preakness Stakes. Earlier in the season, Simplification won the Fountain of Youth (G2) and placed third in the Florida Derby (G1). The horse finished fourth to round out the superfecta at last week’s Kentucky Derby and will be looking to do even better at the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
Creative Minister +500
Trained by Kenny McPeek, Creative Minister is looking to make some noise at this year’s Preakness. This gray colt has won his last two races, including a victory on last week’s Kentucky Derby card. Creative Minister is picking up steam heading into the second leg of the Triple Crown and his current betting odds to win the race offer some solid value.
Skippylongstocking +1600
This horse’s name isn’t nearly as long as his odds to win the 2022 Preakness Stakes, with the three-year-old colt available at +1600. With that being said, this horse has been showing signs of life in recent showings and is coming off a third-place finish at the Wood Memorial (G2). Trainer Saffie Joseph has high hopes for Skippylongstocking heading into the Preakness and the horse’s long odds make for an exciting wager.
Un Ojo +2000
Racing for Cypress Creek Equine and Whispering Oaks Farm, Un Ojo is all set to compete at this year’s Preakness Stakes. This horse was forced to miss the Kentucky Derby after suffering an unfortunate foot bruise, but he should be ready to go on May 21st at the famed Pimlico Racetrack. The three-year-old gelding hasn’t had an official race since early April and will be plenty rested for next week’s Preakness.
Happy Jack +3300
A three-year-old colt, Happy Jack is coming off a disappointing Kentucky Derby. The horse finished an unimpressive 14th at Churchill Downs but will get his chance for redemption in the Triple Crown’s second leg. Happy Jack is trained by Doug O’Neil, the same trainer who earned placings at last year’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes with Hot Rod Charlie.
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Shake Em Loose +3300
After Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby at 80/1 odds, betting on a longshot to win the Preakness just makes sense. Just like Happy Jack, Shake Em Loose is currently +3300, but this claimer-turned-multiple stakes winner has shown a lot of promise in recent months. If you’re hoping to score a massive payday at this year’s Preakness, put a bet on Shake Em Loose and hope for history to repeat itself.
For all of the latest 2022 Preakness Stakes odds, be sure to head on over to the Bovada Racebook.
