Mystic Dan Eyes Triple Crown Glory in Preakness Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will attempt to capture the Preakness Stakes this weekend, with Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert returning to the Triple Crown races with Imagination.

The highly anticipated Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, will take place this weekend at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. All eyes will be on Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, who will be vying to become the first Triple Crown winner since Baffert's Justify in 2018.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who was not allowed to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby due to a ban at Churchill Downs, will make his return to the Triple Crown races on Saturday with Imagination. Baffert is seeking his record-extending ninth win at the Preakness.

Mystik Dan will be ridden by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who has been credited for the horse's success in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Kenny McPeek praised Hernandez's role in the victory, saying, "He didn't win the Derby without the job Brian did. I'm thrilled Brian is finally getting the credit he deserves."

The Preakness Stakes field includes a mix of talented horses and jockeys. Here are the entrants and their betting odds:

* Mugatu (Joe Bravo) 20-1

* Uncle Heavy (Irad Ortiz Jr.) 20-1

* Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat) 6-1

* Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr.) 5-2

* Seize the Grey (Jamie Torres) 15-1

* Just Steel (Joel Rosario) 15-1

* Tuscan Gold (Tyler Gaffalione) 8-1

* Imagination (Frankie Dettori) 6-1

Following the withdrawal of Baffert's early favorite, Muth, due to a fever, the heavy favorite for the Preakness Stakes is now Mystik Dan. The Kentucky Derby winner is known for his powerful late kick and has been a consistent performer throughout his career.

The Preakness Stakes will air live on NBC on May 18, 2024, with a projected post time of 6:50 p.m. ET. The race will also be streamed on the Peacock streaming service.

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