How to bet the favorite in the Preakness Stakes

A total of 10 sophomores will aim to etch their names in the history books when going postward in the 146th Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico Race Course. The 1 3/16-mile dirt endeavor features just three contenders who competed in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs two weeks ago, led by first-past-the-post #3 Medina Spirit (9-5).

Trained by Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit has been first or second in each lifetime try to date. The Florida-bred son of Protonico put forth a career-best effort when gamely holding off all comers in the Run for the Roses, and he has reportedly exited that race in fine fashion for Zedan Racing.

I am not sure if Medina Spirit will go to post as the race favorite on Saturday, with a lot of interest brewing in his stablemate #10 Concert Tour (5-2), as well as Lecomte S. (G3) winner #5 Midnight Bourbon (5-1), who was sixth in the Derby following a tardy start. But assuming that the morning-line choice does retain his favored status at race time, here are a few ways to attack the second leg of the Triple Crown.

#6 Rombauer (12-1) is a colt that I have a lot of interest in as a top-four contender, if not more. Conditioned by Mike McCarthy, the Twirling Candy colt was last seen finishing a clear third in the Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland in his second assignment of 2021. The Grade-1 placed stakes winner has a consistent turn of foot, and if he moves forward as I expect him to in his third try of the season, then he has a chance at a price with Prat taking the reins.

If the pace of the Preakness is swift as I am envisioning, then deep closers #2 Keepmeinmind (15-1) and #9 Risk Taking (15-1), will have a shot for a minor award at a healthy price. I would suggest having two minor tickets with the duo in there.

Preakness Wagers with Medina Spirit on top:

• $2 trifecta 3 with 6 with all ($16)
• $2 trifecta 3 with all with 6 ($16)
• $1 superfecta 3 with 6 with 5,10 with all ($14)
• $1 superfecta 3 with 5,10 with 6 with all ($14)
• 50-cent trifecta 3 with 2,9 with all ($8)
• 50-cent trifecta 3 with all with 2,9 ($8)

Good luck!