2024 Preakness Stakes: Meet the Contenders

#1 Mugatu                                            *

Pro: Owns 1-for-2 record going two turns on dirt, which is the primary plus.

Con: Enters with questionable form and still eligible for first-level allowance.

#2 Uncle Heavy                                   **

Pro: Withers (G3) winner moves up the rankings if the track comes up wet. 

Con: Lack of tactical foot a concern, especially if pace isn’t a fast one.

#3 Catching Freedom                        *****

Pro: Ran well behind top three in Kentucky Derby (G1); form solid all season.

Con: Like Mystik Dan, will he be effective returning on relatively short rest?

#4 Muth                                               SCRATCHED

#5 Mystik Dan                                     *****

Pro: Worked out a great trip in the Kentucky Derby, just held on in a thriller. 

Con: Tired-looking horse at Derby’s end and not effective the last time he ran back on short rest.

#6 Seize the Grey                               **

Pro: Pulled off surprise in Pat Day Mile (G2), albeit in modest time.

Con: Concedes significant back class to the top players.

#7 Just Steel                                        ***

Pro: Barn has a history of winning this with colts who threw in duds at Churchill Downs.

Con: Seems a couple cuts below, and still hasn’t won beyond 6 1/2 furlongs.

#8 Tuscan Gold                                    ****

Pro: Barn has won this twice with colts who bypassed Kentucky Derby.

Con: A demanding test to win this off eight-week break against more experience foes.

#9 Imagination                                   ****

Pro: San Felipe (G2) winner a hard knocker, first or second in all six starts.

Con: Tends to come up on the short end of photo finishes, losing three times by a neck.