Preakness odds and post postions; Justify 1-2
Justify arrives at Pimlico. Photo by Dottie Miller.
by Frank Vespe
Chances are that the Stronach Group chalet in the Pimlico Race Course infield is nicer than your house.
It’s nicer than mine, at any rate.
The Maryland racing industry gathered in that venue this evening, primarily to learn the answer to one question: how low, exactly, will Justify’s odds go?
The answer: very low, indeed. Pimlico linemaker Keith Feustle installed the Kentucky Derby champ as the 1-2 favorite on the morning line. The Scat Daddy colt, who arrived at Pimlico this afternoon, will break from post number seven with Hall of Famer Mike Smith once again in the irons.
“I’m really excited that Post Malone is here,” trainer Bob Baffert cracked after the draw, referring to one of the InfieldFest musical guests. Then he ended the interview in Spanish, saying, “Muchos gracias.”
How low are Justify’s odds? Only three times since 1917 has a favorite been beaten at lower odds than 1-2. The last time the Preakness favorite went off at lower odds than 1-2 was in 2008, when Big Brown won at 1-5.
Justify is one of just two horses to have odds of less than 12-1. The other is the Chad Brown-trained Kentucky Derby runner-up Good Magic. Good Magic, the first horse to arrive at Pimlico for the Preakness, is 3-1 on the morning line and will leave from post number five with Jose Ortiz up.
The full field with by post position, with odds:
- Quip – 12-1; trainer Rodolphe Brisset, jockey Florent Geroux
- Lone Sailor – 15-1; Tom Amoss, Irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Sporting Chance – 30-1; D. Wayne Lukas, Luis Contreras
- Diamond King – 30-1; John Servis, Javier Castellano
- Good Magic – 3-1; Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz
- Tenfold – 20-1; Steve Asmussen, Ricardo Santana, Jr.
- Justify – 1-2; Bob Baffert, Mike Smith
- Bravazo – 20-1; D. Wayne Lukas; Luis Saez
