The second leg of the Triple Crown is fast approaching as the Preakness Stakes presents us with thrilling horse racing action and plenty of betting opportunities. The event is run over nine and a half furlongs, is the middle jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. First kicking off in 1873, the race started to gain popularity and now a favorite among fans of the sport. However, several factors will make this race more interesting.

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, currently one of the event’s favorites, is under the microscope following a test that shows the use of the steroid betamethasone. This means uncertainties on whether the colt will participate on Sunday.

On the other hand, this opens the playing field a bit more. Several horses that took part in the Derby field are expected to show up. Meanwhile, other contenders that did not race at Churchill Downs prepared for the Preakness Stakes instead.

With that said, we take a look at the important details of Preakness Stakes through this Nitrobetting news preview. Find the event details, latest 2021 Preakness Stakes odds, betting trends, and expert betting predictions right here.

2021 Preakness Stakes Race Info

• When: Saturday, May 15, 2021 | 6:50 PM ET
• Where: Pimlico Race Course
• TV: NBC/NBCSN
• Radio: Sirius 219/XM 201
• Live Stream: NBC Sports

READ MORE: 2021 Belmont Stakes Betting Odds, Favorites, Dark Horses

Odds to Win the 2021 Preakness Stakes

• Concert Tour +187
• Medina Spirit +250
• Midnight Bourbon +600
• Risk Taking +800
• Rombauer +1000
• Crowded Trade +1200
• Keepmeinmind +1400
• France Go De Ina +2500
• Unbridled Honor +2500
• Ram +5000

Who are the Favorites to Win the 2021 Preakness Stakes?

Concert Tour

After being part of the favorites for the Derby and following three straight wins to spark his career, Concert Tour remains a top prospect in the Preakness Stakes. However, after a third-place finish in the Grade I Arkansas Derby, they decided to skip the first leg of the Triple Crown to better prepare for this race. Concert Tour’s presentation in the Arkansas Derby drew attention after posting a career-best time, which gives out hints of his form coming into this race.

Medina Spirit

Medina Spirit has been mired in controversy ever since the horse won the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Shortly after that race, it was reported that Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance, putting the horse’s Derby win in question. Nevertheless, Medina Spirit will be racing this weekend in the second leg of the Triple Crown, with breeder Gail Rice confident that her horse will buck the odds and win.

Risk Taking

Risk Taking recently concluded the Grade III Withers Stakes with flying colors, winning the race by four lengths after a relatively slow start. However, he dropped in form after a seventh-place finish in the Grade II Wood Memorial several weeks later, leaving him out of the Kentucky Derby list. But with much-needed preparation behind Risk Taking, he could potentially produce positive results and end the race on a high note.

Who are the Dark Horses of the 2021 Preakness Stakes?

Crowded Trade

Not to be overlooked in this year’s Preakness Stakes is Crowded Trade, who listed down promising times leading to the event. His effort in the one-mile Grade III Gotham Stakes in March showcased a career-best 104 final Brisnet speed figure. This number is enough to generate a strong finish and be on the list of dark horses in this event.

Keepmeinmind

Don’t be discouraged by the numbers, as Keepmeinmind can deliver an appealing finish. He finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby. Although the colt is yet to secure a win this year, his Brisnet speed figures that it’s only a matter of time until he shows significant improvements. With ample experience, there’s plenty of competitive juice in this horse, making him a good sleeper pick to win the 2021 Preakness Stakes.

Expert’s Prediction for the Preakness Stakes

If Medina Spirit does make his way to the line, there’s still a chance that he can dictate the pace from the front. This brings us to Crowded Trade and Risk Taking, who is anticipated to sit mid-pack and bring the pace up off the last turn. Meanwhile, a well-prepared colt Concert Tour can lead to a strong performance come Saturday thanks to a lengthy training period and holding back from taking part in the Kentucky Derby.

Ultimately, we expect a tight race between the competitors, as the Preakness Stakes is among the most awaited events in horse racing.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.