Orb’s Odds Look Good to Capture Preakness Stakes, Continue Triple Crown Bid

The winner of the 2013 Kentucky Derby, Orb is just one of many expected to race in the Preakness Stakes on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md. There?s a purse of $1 million on the line when the horses break from the gates come Saturday.

While it?s been suggested that Orb isn?t well suited for the Preakness Stakes because of its shorter length, his past would suggest otherwise. Back on March 30, the colt ran to a victorious finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. That race was a nine-furlong affair on dirt, so the 9 1/2-furlong Preakness Stakes could very well be a walk in the park for this colt.

Not to mention, Orb?s also won five races in a row and oddsmakers have him pegged as the No. 1 contender at even odds.

Orb?s biggest threat, however, could be Itsmyluckyday. Currently at 9-1 odds, this colt has only finished out of the top three on three occasions in 11 career starts. While he faltered to a 15th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, the thoroughbred has run very well in other major stakes races like the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes and the Grade 1 Florida Derby. He finished first and second, respectively, in those races.

Thoroughbreds like Will Take Charge, Goldencents and Govenor Charlie are also slated to occupy the gates at Pimlico Race Course and should provide ample competition for Orb.

At this year?s Derby, Will Take Charge failed to make an impact, running to an eighth-place finish. However, he?s shown the ability to run with the best of them and has found a way to win three of his eight career starts, including his final Derby prep race, the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. While his 12-1 odds to win the Preakness make him a midrange long shot, Will Take Charge could very well stun the horseracing world if he breaks well.

Similar to Will Take Charge, Goldencents hopes to break well as he enters the Preakness Stakes hoping to atone for his dismal 17th-place finish in the Derby. He runs very well in races of a shorter distance and proved as much in the 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, which he won by 1 1/4 lengths. Oddsmakers currently have the colt set at 7-1, and with four victories in seven starts, this colt is one to watch on race day.

Another colt to keep an eye on is Govenor Charlie. He currently sits at odds of 10-1, more than likely due to the fact that he?s only run three races in his career. However, this colt?s won two of those starts and finished second in the other. With over $400,000 in career earnings, this colt sure knows how to make the most of every race he runs.

If Orb wants to beat the competition and break the 35-year Triple Crown drought, it?s time for him to let it ride.

This post is presented by Bovada

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Preakness Stakes