Epicenter Is a Justified Favorite in the Preakness Stakes

Two of the entrants in the Preakness, one of the most important betting races of the year, have deep Florida roots.  Simplification, most recently fourth in the Kentucky Derby, won the Fountain of Youth (G2) and ran excellent races in all of the Road to the Kentucky Derby points races at Gulfstream Park. Skippylongstocking, most recently third in the Wood Memorial (G2), has raced at Gulfstream seven times, and both of his wins so far have come over that course.

Who are the best bets in the 2022 Preakness Stakes?  Keep reading to find out!

Betting the 2022 Preakness Stakes Online

As exciting as a trip to Baltimore for the Preakness would be, we cannot all make it there to watch the race live. The good news is, you have many great options for betting the race online in Florida! Online racebooks give you benefits that you will never find at racetracks or OTB shops including fixed-odds wagering and excellent incentives.

You can play the races online anywhere with an internet connection on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Let our experts help you find the place with the most lucrative racebook bonuses for your betting style. Get to know your options, make your account, and then get ready for a profitable weekend betting the Preakness!

These are the best online betting sites for Florida-based horseplayers:

Handicapping the 2022 Preakness Stakes

Now that you have your online betting account set up, it is time to start handicapping the 2022 Preakness Stakes! Read on to get to know the contenders and find out who has the best chance to win the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

2022 Preakness Stakes Horses

This is the official field for the 2022 Preakness Stakes including draw numbers, trainers, jockeys, and morning lines:

1. Simplification (Antonio Sano/John Velazquez) – 6/1

2. Creative Minister (Ken McPeek/Brian Hernandez, Jr.) – 10/1

3. Fenwick (Kevin McKathan/Florent Geroux) – 50/1

4. Secret Oath (D. Wayne Lukas/Luis Saez) – 6/1

5. Early Voting (Chad Brown/Jose Ortiz) – 7/2

6. Happy Jack (Doug O’Neill/Tyler Gaffalione) – 30/1

7. Armagnac (Tim Yakteen/Irad Ortiz, Jr.) – 12/1

8. Epicenter (Steve Asmussen/Joel Rosario) – 6/5

9. Skippylongstocking (Saffie Joseph, Jr./Junior Alvarado) – 20/1

The morning line is only the track’s best guess about the odds for the Preakness Stakes. Your best bet is to watch the odds at your online sportsbook. Since online racebooks offer fixed odds, you can lock in the best odds as soon as you place your bet. Thus, when you see an overlay, you can guarantee those odds and then watch the race knowing you are getting the best price.

2022 Preakness Stakes Favorites

Epicenter will be favored in the Preakness for very good reason. The most consistent horse on the Kentucky Derby trail, he has even won at the Preakness distance, since the Louisiana Derby covers the same 1 3/16-mile trip. His ability to rate and rally will help him get a trip with Early Voting, Armagnac, and Fenwick all needing to show speed, and trainer Steve Asmussen has already won two Preaknesses.

Secret Oath, the last-out winner of the Kentucky Oaks, will try to give trainer D. Wayne Lukas a record-tying seventh Preakness win. She should benefit from the contested pace in front of her, and fillies who come out of a good effort in the Oaks tend to run well in the Preakness. Though she was only third in her other race against males, a better trip in this could give her a better result.

Simplification was the most consistent horse on the Florida spur of the Kentucky Derby trail, running in every single prep and doing well. He is versatile enough to show speed or rally, meaning he can carve out any kind of trip he needs and run a good race. Being Florida-based all year, as well, also gives him a strong chance to handle the muggy forecast.

2022 Preakness Stakes Longer Shots

Creative Minister will be facing stakes foes for the first time, so make sure you are getting enough of a price on him. However, his connections think enough of him to front $150,000 to put him in the Preakness. He should be able to get a nice trip off the speed, and his pedigree gives him a strong chance to take another step forward at the Preakness distance.

Skippylongstocking was last seen finishing third in the Wood Memorial (G2). He will have to improve off that effort, though the contested pace unfolding in front of him gives him a good chance to run on late into the deeper exotics. Furthermore, his being based in Florida gives him a chance to get accustomed to the hot forecast.

2022 Preakness Stakes Expert Bets

You have your betting account set up, and you have gotten to know the field. All that’s left is to place your bets! These are the best bets for Saturday’s 2022 Preakness Stakes:

• $20 win: #8 Epicenter

• $1 exacta key: #8 Epicenter with #1 Simplification, #4 Secret Oath

• $1 trifecta key: #8 Epicenter with #1 Simplification, #2 Creative Minister, #4 Secret Oath

• 20 cent superfecta key: #8 Epicenter with #1 Simplification, #2 Creative Minister, #4 Secret Oath, #9 Skippylongstocking