Preakness Stakes Odds: Justify In, Bolt d’Oro Out

The field for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (NBC, 6:20 PM ET post time) is starting to take shape – and it’s looking good for Justify. The reigning Kentucky Derby champion is a heavy 2/5 favorite at press time, and his odds are likely to shorten now that Bolt d’Oro, the third favorite at 10/1, has been taken out of the hunt. Trainer Mick Ruis confirmed Sunday morning that Bolt d’Oro will compete in the Grade 1 Met Mile instead.

That doesn’t leave much in the way of proven competition for Justify. Good Magic, who finished second at the Kentucky Derby, has been confirmed for the Preakness; he’s 7/2 for now, followed by a pair of “shooters” in Diamond King (14/1) and Quip (16/1) who come to Pimlico fresh after skipping the Derby. Also confirmed are Bravazo (20/1), Sporting Chance (22/1) and Lone Sailor (25/1).

The post position draw for the Preakness is Wednesday, with a maximum of 14 horses allowed to compete. Justify has been galloping with energy at Churchill Downs since his impressive Derby run; reports indicate that the “minor” bruise on his foot has healed, and he’s expected to fly into Baltimore on Wednesday with trainer Bob Baffert.

Preakness Stakes Odds: Justify Galloping Towards Preakness

With yet another familiar name dropping from contention, it looks like Justify might have an easy go of it at Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. The Kentucky Derby winner is the 2/5 favorite at press time, and likely to improve now that Bolt d’Oro has just been taken out of the running.


That leaves Good Magic (7/2) as the only proven competition for Justify. But there’s always a chance that a shooter like Diamond King (14/1) or Quip (16/1) will pull off the upset after skipping the Derby. We’ll see who else joins the field at Wednesday’s post position draw.