The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing, and the second most prominent race on the American thoroughbred racing calendar. It is held every year on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness is run at the Pimlico Race Course, located in Baltimore, Maryland.
History of the Preakness
The Preakness was first run in 1873 at the Pimlico Race Course, making it the second oldest race in the Triple Crown series. The race was named for the colt Preakness, who was the first horse to win the Dinner Party Stakes, which was the original name of the Preakness. The race has been held at the Pimlico Race Course ever since, except for a brief period from 1890 to 1908 when it was held at the Morris Park Racecourse in the Bronx, New York.
What is a Post Position?
A post position is the starting position of a horse in a race. In the Preakness Stakes, the post position is determined by a blind draw before the race. The horses are assigned post positions from the inside rail (1) to the outside rail (12). The post position draw is important because it can determine the outcome of the race.
What are the Post Positions for the 2021 Preakness?
The post positions for the 2021 Preakness Stakes were determined by a blind draw on May 11, 2021. The post positions are listed below:
- Post Position 1: Essential Quality
- Post Position 2: Medina Spirit
- Post Position 3: Crowded Trade
- Post Position 4: Midnight Bourbon
- Post Position 5: Keepmeinmind
- Post Position 6: Rombauer
- Post Position 7: France Go de Ina
- Post Position 8: Unbridled Honor
- Post Position 9: Risk Taking
- Post Position 10: Ram
- Post Position 11: Concert Tour
- Post Position 12: Mighty Heart
What are the Odds for the 2021 Preakness?
The odds for the 2021 Preakness Stakes were released after the post position draw on May 11, 2021. The odds are listed below:
- Essential Quality: 2-1
- Medina Spirit: 5-1
- Crowded Trade: 10-1
- Midnight Bourbon: 10-1
- Keepmeinmind: 15-1
- Rombauer: 15-1
- France Go de Ina: 20-1
- Unbridled Honor: 20-1
- Risk Taking: 30-1
- Ram: 30-1
- Concert Tour: 30-1
- Mighty Heart: 30-1
The Favorites of the 2021 Preakness
Based on the post positions and odds, the two favorites for the 2021 Preakness Stakes are Essential Quality and Medina Spirit. Essential Quality is the morning line favorite, with odds of 2-1, while Medina Spirit is the second favorite, with odds of 5-1.
Which Horses Have the Best Chance to Win?
Based on the post positions and odds, the horses that have the best chance to win the 2021 Preakness Stakes are Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, Crowded Trade, and Midnight Bourbon. Essential Quality and Medina Spirit are the two favorites, with 2-1 and 5-1 odds respectively. Crowded Trade and Midnight Bourbon are slightly longer shots, with 10-1 odds.
Which Horses Have the Worst Chance to Win?
Based on the post positions and odds, the horses that have the worst chance to win the 2021 Preakness Stakes are Mighty Heart, Ram, Risk Taking, Unbridled Honor, and France Go de Ina. These horses have odds of 30-1.
Longshots of the 2021 Preakness
While there are no true longshots in the 2021 Preakness Stakes, the horses with the longest odds are Mighty Heart, Ram, Risk Taking, Unbridled Honor, and France Go de Ina, all of which have odds of 30-1.
What are the Contenders for the 2021 Preakness?
The contenders for the 2021 Preakness Stakes are Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, Crowded Trade, Midnight Bourbon, Keepmeinmind, Rombauer, France Go de Ina, Unbridled Honor, Risk Taking, Ram, Concert Tour, and Mighty Heart.
What are the Key Factors to Consider for the 2021 Preakness?
When considering the 2021 Preakness Stakes, there are several key factors to take into account. These factors include:
Post Position
The post position can have a significant impact on the outcome of the race. Horses on the inside rail have an advantage, as they have less ground to cover to reach the finish line.
Odds
The odds of a horse can also be a useful indicator of its chances of winning. The favorites are Essential Quality and Medina Spirit, with 2-1 and 5-1 odds respectively.
Performance
The performance of a horse in its previous races can be a good indicator of its chances in the Preakness. Horses that have performed well in previous races are more likely to do well in the Preakness.
Conclusion
The 2021 Preakness Stakes will be held on May 15, 2021 at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The post positions and odds have been released, and the favorites are Essential Quality and Medina Spirit, with odds of 2-1 and 5-1 respectively. When considering the 2021 Preakness Stakes, the post position, odds, and performance of the horses should all be taken into account.