Preakness Stakes odds, predictions, contenders, horses

Predictions for horses running in the Preakness Stakes

Early – Seize the Grey led all the way breaking his maiden last year and exits a sharp win where he displayed high early speed, chasing a hot pace (:22 and :44 3/5) in the Pat Day Mile (G2) before prevailing by 1 1/4 lengths. With Muth scratching, Seize the Grey has the chance to be inside speed. Imagination does his best running on or close to the lead and will be hustling from his outside post with Frankie Dettori, probably first or second entering the first turn.

Early/Presser – Imagination does his best running on or close to the lead and with Muth being his stablemate, he’s probably look to settle into an up-close stalking trip. Just Steel showed surprising speed contesting the early lead in the Kentucky Derby and weakened to 17th. Look for new jockey Joel Rosario to employ different tactics, but Just Steel still figures to be within striking range with his speed.

Mystik Dan raced within five lengths of the last in the Kentucky Derby and has the versatility to race up close or toward midpack. And considering the lack of speed signed on, Brian Hernandez Jr. may try to save ground from a prominent position.

Presser – A rallying maiden winner, Tuscan Gold raced closer to the pace in the Louisiana Derby and could show more speed than expected following a 56-day freshening. But he’s also eligible to be stalking the action in sixth or seventh in a bunched field.

Sustained – Catching Freedom packs a formidable late punch. Uncle Heavy, a fast-closing winner of the Withers (G3) two back, will look to make an impact in the final furlongs with new rider Irad Ortiz Jr.

Mugatu has displayed no positional speed in recent starts.