2022 Preakness Will Miss Derby Winner on Saturday

A clear difference will immediately be seen on Saturday with the Preakness Stakes odds.  For just the third time in 26 years, the Kentucky Derby-winning horse will make the starting gate.  Rich Strike shocked the world by coming out of nowhere to blow past the leaders and take the wire on Derby Day.  But the horse’s owners and managers all agreed that Rich Strike was not up to making a run at the Triple Crown.  Thus, it was decided that to protect Rich Strike’s health, he would be held out.  Kentucky Derby favorite Epicenter is the Preakness chalk.

2022 Preakness Stakes – CashBet Overview

First, gamblers should remember that the Preakness Stakes is the shortest of the three Triple Crown horse races.  Saturday’s sportsbook event is one and 3/16 miles in length.  That is slightly shorter than the mile and a quarter at the Kentucky Derby.  Of course, the Belmont Stakes is a marathon mile and a half.

The Preakness is a much less formal event than the Kentucky Derby.  Consistent with that is that a Triple Crown contender will not be a factor.  The Kentucky Derby is the one race that every jockey, trainer, and owner wants to win.  By contrast, the Preakness Stakes only has pressure on the Kentucky Derby winner.  When that horse happens to run.  Since Rich Strike is not taking part, the Preakness will not have nearly the pressure of the Kentucky Derby.

A New Betting Factor for the Preakness Stakes

One of the most important factors in handicapping the Preakness Stakes betting odds is the mix of horses that ran at the Kentucky Derby and those that skipped it.  To illuminate, the Preakness Stakes offers horses that skipped the Kentucky Derby an opportunity to ambush the horses that took part in the Kentucky Derby.  The Derby horses have had less time to rest while there will be quality horses full of energy.  Yet another factor to take into account is the lack of name recognition with the horses that skipped the Kentucky Derby.

Get Your Preak On! 

Some horse racing fans love the Preakness Stakes for its more festive atmosphere.  The Preakness is a place for younger fans to party and listen to rock bands in the infield of Pimlico.  However, other fans hate it for the very same reasons.  It follows that the Preakness Stakes is a place for the horse racing community to let its hair down after the pressure of the Kentucky Derby.

Beaten Kentucky Derby Favorite Epicenter Tops Preakness Betting Board  

Last time out at the Kentucky Derby, Epicenter was in a position to win the blanket of roses.  But Rich Strike struck out nowhere with a comeback for the ages.  Epicenter had two Grade-2 wins at the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star before the Kentucky Derby.  And that confirms his status as the Preakness betting Favorite.

Early Voting is Fresh as a Black-Eyed Susan for the Preakness

Although Early Voting skipped the Kentucky Derby, he rates as one of the top contenders at the Preakness Stakes.  Early voting has had a long break after finishing second at the Grade-2 Wood Memorial on April 9, 2022.  Previously, Early Voting was the winner of the Grade-3 Withers.

Secret Oath May Be Taken By Preakness Handicappers

Secret Oath is coming off a Grade-1 win at the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago, the top race for fillies in horse racing.  Thus, Secret Oath will step up to run against the males at the Preakness.  Hall of Fame trainer D Wayne Lucas, age 86, will lead Secret Oath to the starting gate.

2022 CashBet Preakness Stakes Free Picks  

On this occasion, Epicenter has the chance to make up for his disappointing loss at the Kentucky Derby.  Epicenter makes for a strong pick with the Preakness Lines.

2022 Preakness Stakes CashBet Best Bets

Epicenter