Betting Preakness 2020 with Different Budgets

The final leg of the Triple Crown is upon us, but unlike most years it is not the Belmont Stakes (G1) in June. Instead, it is the Preakness Stakes (G1) in early October. Interesting times indeed.

Tiz the Law romped home in June to capture the Belmont and last month Authentic sped to the front and turned away the Barclay Tagg trainee in the lane to capture the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby. There will be no rubber match with Tiz the Law opting to rest up for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but a strong field of 11 is set to break from the gate at approximately 5:36 p.m. (ET) in the historic 1 3/16 miles event at Pimlico.

#9 Authentic draws to the outside much like he did in the Derby last month, but this time there appears to be more speed signed on to his inside. The Into Mischief colt paired his career best Thorograph figure (0) in the Run for the Roses and is the deserving 9-5 top choice, but I am willing to fade him on top at a likely short price.

#3 Art Collector was scratched the Tuesday before the Derby with a minor foot issue, but has put in three drills since then and appears ready for a big effort in Maryland. Ideally, Brian Hernandez will settle in the pocket just off the pacesetters. If the son of Bernardini is able to relax early, he will be tough to beat late.  

#4 Swiss Skydiver has taken on all comers in her 3-year-old campaign for trainer Ken McPeek. I thought she was up against it in last month’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) on three weeks' rest, but she proved me wrong finishing a solid second with a less than ideal voyage in the “Run for the Lillies.” It is highly likely that Robby Albarado will send from the gate and try to take them all the way on the engine. Regardless of tactics I am worried she has danced too many dances.  

#2 Mr. Big News was a late entry into the Derby, but ran big at 46-1 to finish a strong third. Regressing off the big performance is a concern, but he should get a great trip off a potential lively early pace. The improving Bret Calhoun trainee is must-use at his 12-1 morning line price.

#10 Pneumatic finished fourth in the Belmont and was given a brief freshening before taking on lesser in the Pegasus at Monmouth Park. The son of Uncle Mo got a confidence builder at the Jersey Shore in mid-August and has been given plenty of time to recover off a career-best 103 Brisnet Speed rating. The Winchell Thoroughbreds colt should get a perfect stalking trip from his outside post under veteran Joe Bravo and could be sitting on another career best effort for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. At a big price he is my key horse in this year’s Preakness.

There are all kinds of ways to wager on this year’s Preakness Stakes, but here is how I would attack the third leg of the Triple Crown on a few different budgets:

• $10 Budget
  • $2 Win/Place 10
  • $1 Ex Wheel 10 with 2+3+5+9
  • $1 Ex Wheel 2+3 with 10

• $50 Budget
  • $10 Win/Place 10
  • $3 Exacta Box 2+3+10
  • 50-cent Trifecta Wheel 2+3+10 with 2+3+10 with 2+3+5+8+9+10

• $100 Budget
  • $25 Win/Place 10
  • $3 Exacta Box 2+3+10
  • $1 Trifecta Wheel 2+3+10 with 2+3+10 with 2+3+5+8+9+10
  • $1 Trifecta Wheel 3+10 with 2 with 3+5+8+9+10

Good luck on Saturday!