Field, post positions, jockeys, odds

If not for an unlikely 80-1 track run by Rich Strike in the Kentucky Derby then then epicenter would be the undisputed center of attention building on Saturday’s $1.65 million Preakness Bets on the Pimlico circuit. Now he’s no longer a contender for a possible Triple Crown, just the favorite.

After losing the lead in the final 10 paces to finish second in the derby and Rich Strike not going to Baltimore, Epicenter pulled in 8th in the nine-field. He was made the 6-5 favorite on the morning line in Monday’s draw for position at Baltimore’s Citron Restaurant and Bar.

Get a jump on Preakness, Black-Eyed Susan undercards.

Coached by Steve Asmussen, Epicenter is a two-time Grade 2 winner and will once again be ridden by reigning Eclipse Award winner Joel Rosario.

Two new shooters not in the Derby, Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner filly Secret Oath (9-2) in Post 4 and Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Early Voting (7-2) in Post 5, were predicted a lot To attract betting attention for the 1 3/16 mile classic.

Sired by Arrogate, trained by six-time Preakness winner D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by Luis Sáez, Secret Oath could become the second filly to win the race in three years. Swiss Skydiver did it for trainer Kenny McPeek in 2020 when the preakness was postponed 4 1/2 months due to the COVID outbreak.

Early voting had the necessary points to qualify for the Derby, but trainer Chad Brown decided to give the Gun Runner stallion six weeks between starts. José Ortiz, who has ridden all three of Early Voting’s races, including the first and Grade 3 wins, will ride again on Saturday in what will be the colt’s first start outside of Aqueduct.

Another Gun Runner colt, Simplification (6-1), could be Saturday’s fourth most popular betting interest. The winner of the Fountain of Youth (G2), who finished fourth in the Derby, pulled the rail posts. He is coached by Antonio Sano. After Ortiz switched to early voting, John Velázquez was called up to drive the Preakness.

This was the preakness field draw with morning line odds by Maryland Jockey Club track handicapper David Feustle.