No Triple Crown winner, no problem. Pennsylvania bettors will find a different angle for the 147th Preakness Stakes Saturday at 7:01 p.m. from Baltimore, MD now that 80-1 Kentucky Derby-winning longshot Rich Strike will not run in the $1.5 million race.
The results from Monday’s draw indicate betting love for Epicenter and Early Voting. Behind them are Simplification and Secret Oath, who tries to become the seventh filly to capture this 1 3/16-mile race. Swiss Skydiver in 2020 and Rachel Alexandra in 2009 are the last two.
Epicenter, who had the Kentucky Derby in his grasp until being overtaken in the final strides by Rich Strike, was listed as the 6-5 favorite. The race will air on NBC.
Preakness race overview
Simplification, on the rail, has suffered difficulty breaking sharply from the gate in his 2022 campaign. But he may be able to outrun the horses to his immediate outside at the start.
Early Voting figures to be forwardly placed and hopes to stretch out to a career-long 1 3/16 miles.
Happy Jack will be wearing blinkers, presumably enabling him to avoid distractions and break sharply. He has been significantly outrun at this level and is an appropriate longshot, but could impact the pace if he moves early.
Epicenter in the 8 post has every chance to get out front early. He should be able to run his race.
Preakness 2022 favorites and contenders
Early Voting and Epicenter are the logical candidates for the early lead with Simplification in stalking position and Secret Oath prepared to run late.
Secret Oath is a strong closer, but came up short against the boys in the Arkansas Derby, finishing third.
Armagnac and Fenwick have been decisively outrun at this level. Creative Minister won at Maiden Special Weights and Allowance company. He now must stretch out to a career-long distance in a stakes race.
Skippylongstocking was third behind second-place Early Voting in the Wood Memorial and would not be out of the question to finish in the top four.
Preakness 2022 morning line odds, post positions and jockeys
Here is a look at Monday’s draw.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplification | John Velazquez | 6-1 |
| 2 | Creative Minister | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 10-1 |
| 3 | Fenwick | Florent Geroux | 50-1 |
| 4 | Secret Oath | Luis Saez | 9-2 |
| 5 | Early Voting | Jose Ortiz | 7-2 |
| 6 | Happy Jack | Tyler Gaffalione | 30-1 |
| 7 | Armagnac | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 12-1 |
| 8 | Epicenter | Joel Rosario | 6-5 |
| 9 | Skippylongstocking | Junior Alvarado | 20-1 |
How to bet the Preakness online in PA
Keystone gamblers have numerous wagering options, including from anywhere in the state right from your phone.
PABets is Pennsylvania’s version of racing giant app TVG. The site offers live-streamed horse races from over 300 tracks around the world and online horse betting. via browser and iOS and Android apps.
New horse players can try out the app risk-free up to $200 with promo code 200TVG. The bonus applies to your first real money win-type bet (on a single horse). Get your bet back, up to $200, as site credit if the horse does not win.
PA pony bettors can also wager at live racetracks and PA off-track betting facilities.
Where to watch the Preakness, bet live in Pennsylvania
Prepare to make bets a few minutes earlier to avoid being shut out via long lines or potential machine malfunctions.
Here are the live racing sites that offer betting on the Preakness:
Thoroughbred
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course (Grantville)
- Parx Casino and Racing (Bensalem)
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino (Erie)
Harness
- Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack (Chester)
- The Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Washington)
- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (Wilkes-Barre)
South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbook is in the heart of Philadelphia’s sports district. The club is located at the southeast corner of Packer Avenue and South Darien Street. It is one of two OTBs that also functions as a PA sportsbook. The other is Parx Race and Sportsbook in Malvern, which is housed inside of Chickie’s & Pete’s. You can also bet on horses at:
- The Downs at Lehigh Valley
- Hollywood Casino York
- Hollywood Casino Morgantown
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Nick Wass
