2023 Preakness Stakes Betting Guide – Best Sites, Markets & Tips

Betting on the Preakness Stakes will seriously ramp up the excitement you feel when watching the country’s finest three-year-olds battle for glory. You can bet on the race winner, the place, or the show, or you can take a shot at exotic Preakness Stakes betting markets like the exacta and the trifecta.

First of all, though, you need to find a high-quality, trustworthy Preakness Stakes betting site, and we can help you find the right racebook for your needs. This guide will also highlight the betting options, the bonuses you can claim, and offer tips and advice for betting on the Preakness Stakes in 2023.

BetOnline Sports logo

50% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus

5 Stars Claim Now
BetNow Sports logo

150% Match On The First Deposit Up To $150

5 Stars Claim Now
Everygame Sports logo

$750 Welcome Bonus (3 x $250 Bonuses)

5 Stars Claim Now
MyBookie Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $1000

5 Stars Claim Now
BUSR Sports logo

150% Deposit Bonus up to $2500

4.5 Stars Claim Now
Bovada Sports logo

Get a Welcome Bonus of up to $750

5 Stars Claim Now
BetUS Sports logo

125% Sign Up Bonus Up To $2,500

5 Stars Claim Now
XBet Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip

5 Stars Claim Now
Jazz Sports logo

50% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $1000

4 Stars Claim Now
Sportsbetting AG Sports logo

50% First Time Deposit Match Up To $1000

4.5 Stars Claim Now
In This Guide

Preakness Stakes 2023 Key Info

  • 🏇 Race: Preakness Stakes 2023
  • 📅 Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
  • ⏰ Time: 6.50 p.m. ET
  • 🏟️ Location: Pimlico Racecourse, Baltimore, Maryland
  • 📺 TV Channel: NBC Sports
  • 🎲 Favorite: Mage +185
Best Preakness Stakes Betting Sites
Bovada Sports logo

Get a Welcome Bonus of up to $750

5 Stars Claim Now
BetOnline Casino logo

100% Up To $3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus

5 Stars Claim Now
Everygame Sports logo

$750 Welcome Bonus (3 x $250 Bonuses)

5 Stars Claim Now
MyBookie Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $1000

5 Stars Claim Now
BetNow Sports logo

150% Match On The First Deposit Up To $150

5 Stars Claim Now
XBet Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip

5 Stars Claim Now
BUSR Sports logo

150% Deposit Bonus up to $2500

4.5 Stars Claim Now
Jazz Sports logo

50% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $1000

4 Stars Claim Now
Sportsbetting AG Sports logo

50% First Time Deposit Match Up To $1000

4.5 Stars Claim Now

The Best Betting Sites For Preakness Stakes

We have identified the top 10 sites for betting on the Preakness Stakes in 2023. These sites accept customers from across the United States. They provide quick payouts, and they are legit, reliable bookies:

  1. Bovada – A great option for Preakness Stakes futures
  2. BetOnline – The best overall Preakness Stakes betting site
  3. Everygame Quick payouts for Preakness Stakes bettors
  4. MyBookie – Offers a competitive rebate for horseplayers
  5. BetNow – Reduced juice sportsbook with horse racing section
  6. BetUS – A strong source of Preakness Stakes handicapping information
  7. XBet – A user-friendly Preakness Stakes betting site
  8. BUSR – Cashback offers for Preakness Stakes bettors
  9. Jazz Sports – Cash rebates for horse racing bettors
  10. Sportsbetting.ag – Offers a $25 risk-free racebook bet

These Preakness Stakes betting sites are based offshore. That means they can accept players from every part of the United States, and it is perfectly legal for you to sign up with any of them.

Reviews of the Best Preakness Stakes Betting Sites & Racebooks

The best Preakness Stakes betting sites offer different odds, bonuses, and interfaces. You can read our reviews to find the racebook that best fits your requirements:

1. Bovada – A Great Option for Preakness Stakes Futures

 

Bovada Preakness Stakes Betting Futures

The Bovada sportsbook is another great option for anyone interested in betting on the Preakness Stakes before the day of the race. It has already released fixed-odds futures on the big race. It has better odds than BetOnline on some of the runners, and worse odds on others. You can check out both sites and find the best price on a horse you like.

This online racebook is very similar to BetOnline: clean, easy-to-navigate, with very quick crypto payouts and a trustworthy reputation.

Aside from some discrepancies in the odds, the main difference between Bovada and BetOnline is the bonus structure. Bovada allows you to use its welcome bonus on horse racing, which is great. However, it does not offer a risk-free bet or a rebate.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

Bovada offers fixed-odds betting on the Preakness Stakes. It is one of the first sites to release futures on the race, along with BetOnline. The likes of XBet, MyBookie, and BetUS lag Bovada and BetOnline in this regard.

On race day, Bovada makes it easy for you to place win, place, show, exacta, and trifecta bets on the Preakness Stakes. It is also quick to credit your winnings to your account if you succeed.

Bonuses & Promos

The Bovada promo code is usable on horse racing and is in general well set up. You need to complete a  rollover requirement before cashing out. This bonus is available for crypto users, but there is a smaller bonus for non-crypto users too.

What we like:

  • Quick to release its Preakness Stakes futures
  • Has better odds on certain Preakness Stakes runners than BetOnline
  • The welcome bonus can be used on horse racing
  • Relatively low rollover requirement
  • Pays out quickly via cryptocurrencies

What we don’t:

  • No racebook rebate
  • Some of the betting limits could be higher

2. BetOnline – The Best Overall Preakness Stakes Betting Site 

BetOnline Preakness Stakes betting site & racebook

BetOnline is the best site for anyone interested in betting on the Preakness Stakes. It is the first to release futures betting odds on the race – they are published immediately after the Kentucky Derby – so it is popular with sharp bettors. The fixed odds that it offers on the event are also some of the best on the market.

On the day of the race, you can choose from a broad selection of Preakness Stakes betting options, including straights and exacta. It also offers some great racebook bonuses, which will appeal to anyone interested in betting on the affectionately named, Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.

BetOnline offers a clean interface and a reliable mobile site. You will be able to find the Preakness Stakes lines quickly and bet in seconds. It also offers same-day crypto payouts. Credit card fees are charged on deposits though, so it is best to use crypto or a P2P transfer.

The racecards are not particularly detailed, which is true of all the sites that accept horseplayers from across the United States. But, you can find detailed past performance information at an external site and then get your bets on quickly at BetOnline.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

You can place futures and fixed-odds bets on the Preakness Stakes at BetOnline. As the race grows closer, it will allow you to place a far broader selection of wagers. They include the win, place, show exacta, trifecta, quinella, superfecta, and Super Hi-Five. Winnings from those bets are calculated on a pari-mutuel basis.

You can also combine a bet on the Preakness Stakes with wagers on other races in a bid to earn a larger payout.

Bonuses & Promos

The BetOnline promo code has a sportsbook deposit bonus if you use crypto. That is not intended to be a bonus for horse racing bettors, but BetOnline will also sometimes give you a risk-free racebook bet when you sign up, allowing you to bet for free on the Preakness Stakes. BetOnline also usually offers a daily rebate on any racebook losses you might suffer.

What we like:

  • Quickly releases fixed-odds Preakness Stakes betting futures
  • Offers some of the best Preakness Stakes betting odds available
  • Provides quick, reliable withdrawals via crypto
  • Offers a risk-free racebook bet and a rebate

What we don’t:

  • Charges credit card deposit fees
  • High rollover requirements on bonuses

3. Everygame – Quick payouts for Preakness Stakes bettors

Everygame Kentucky Derby

With Everygame, there are fixed odds on the Preakness Stakes official prep races. That is awarded to thoroughbreds that go on to win at Churchill Downs, then the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, and Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park.

Everygame also has daily racing down with pari-mutuel odds available on all the main US tracks including harness races. There is also international action from countries where the sport of kings is popular.

Credit cards, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, & Litecoin, and wire transfers allow you to fund your gambling. Bigger ranges of payment methods are available with other providers.

An FAQs section is the main form of customer support, meanwhile, with questions and answers on various topics. Live Chat is also available around the clock.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

Until the final field is known, it’s just fixed odds win only Preakness Stakes betting available at Everygame. That is the same anywhere else.

Once that information comes out, though, the pari-mutuel wagers like Place, Show, Trifectas, and Exactas will be available.

Bonuses & Promos

Players can choose from a range of bonuses for crypto and card deposit deals, each with its own Everygame promo code used to unlock.

You’ll also find tailored promos from Everygame featuring recognized Preakness Stakes races. For example, if your horse finishes second in the select races, then you can get a rebate.

What we like:

  • Futures betting on the big race
  • Triple Crown specials on offer
  • Bet on key Derby trials too
  • Crypto and credit card bonuses

What we don’t:

  • Rivals accept more banking methods

4. MyBookie – Competitive Rebate for Preakness Stakes Bettors

 

MyBookie Preakness Stakes betting page

MyBookie is a sister site to XBet, so they offer identical coverage of the Preakness Stakes. The only real difference between the sites – apart from the color scheme – is the promotions they offer.

The rebate at MyBookie is fairly good on horse racing. It offers the same welcome bonus, but with a different rollover. For that reason, we rate XBet as the slightly better site, but they are both good options for beginners that want to bet on the Preakness Stakes.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

MyBookie has now released its Preakness Stakes futures. They are the same as those found at XBet. You will be able to bet on the win, place, show, exacta, quinella, trifecta, and superfecta on the day of the big race too.

Bonuses & Promos

The MyBookie promo code found at the link will earn you a good welcome bonus. It has a managable rollover requirement. You can also claim a rebate on any losses incurred when betting on the Preakness Stakes. The rebate has a 1x rollover requirement.

What we like:

  • Competitive racebook rebate
  • Simple user experience for beginners
  • Very impressive sportsbook and casino
  • Great mobile betting site

What we don’t:

  • Higher rollover requirements than XBet
  • Slower to release futures than some rivals

5. BetNow – Reduced Juice Sportsbook with Horse Racing Section

BetNow Kentucky Derby

On top of futures fixed odds for major prep races, those betting the Preakness Stakes can also do it in advance through BetNow. That goes for the Kentucky Oaks too.

Pari-mutuel markets on daily horse racing action in the USA and beyond are also at your fingertips here. This is the typical mix of thoroughbred and harness races from around the world.

The FAQs and help center at BetNow are there for when you have questions or need guidance. Get in touch using a contact form, live chat, or phoning the BetNow  helpline. This is good customer support.

Payment methods at BetNow cover the standard options. Besides MasterCard and Visa debit and credits, Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are available.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

As with its competitors, the Preakness Stakes 2023 betting on futures odds is win only. On the big day at Pimilico, however, a Superfecta and other exotic wagers will be available.

Pari-mutuel betting pools open closer to the time of the race. That means popular bets like Place, Show, and Exacta aren’t available ahead of time like the fixed odds market.

Bonuses & Promos

A Preakness Stakes betting promo sure to interest horse racing fans is BetNow’s racebook promo code. There is also an occasional rebate on exotic wagers for all Pimilico races including the Kentucky Derby.

They provide other sign-up deals too with a sportsbook free bet and crypto rewards. Some of these require a BetNow promo code but others don’t.

What we like:

  • Racebook bonus available
  • Futures odds on the big race
  • Wager on Preakness Stakes prep runs too
  • Rebates for Pimilico bets
  • Good range of customer support options

What we don’t:

  • Lack of special wagers

6. BetUS – Detailed Information for Preakness Stakes Bettors

BetUS Preakness Stakes betting page

BetUS rounds out our top Preakness Stakes betting sites around today. It is not as quick to release fixed-odds on the event as BetOnline and Bovada, but they are released 11 days before the race, giving you plenty of time to get futures bets in.

Its odds on several horses are less attractive than BetOnline, but it does offer market-leading odds on a couple of runners. It is, therefore, worth checking out the fixed odds at BetUS before betting on the Preakness Stakes this year.

The racebook is very similar to those you will find at Bovada and BetOnline, and the wagering options are the same. BetUS offers huge bonuses, but they are not for the racebook. Another thing we like about BetUS is the video analysis its handicappers provide on Triple Crown races. Click on “BetUS TV” and choose “More Sports” to check it out.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

BetUS has just released Preakness Stakes futures betting odds. You can place win bets on any of the runners listed, or request odds on other horses. All bets have action.

On the day of the Preakness Stakes, BetUS will accept straight and exotics on the Preakness Stakes, and you will be paid out promptly and reliably if successful.

Bonuses & Promos

The BetUS promo code  usually gives you a fair chunk of extra money that you can use all across the sportsbook and the online casino. These funds however are not for horseplayers.

What we like:

  • Attractive odds on some Preakness Stakes runners
  • Video analysis on Triple Crown races from handicappers
  • Large sportsbook bonuses
  • Easy-to-use betslip

What we don’t:

  • No racebook bonuses
  • Slower to release Preakness Stakes odds than rivals mentioned above

7. XBet – User-Friendly Preakness Stakes Betting Site

 

Xbet Preakness Stakes betting page

XBet is a user-friendly online racebook that we would recommend to beginners. It has a very simple interface, and it allows you to place your bets rapidly. Customer service is also excellent.

It is not as good for Preakness Stakes futures as the sites mentioned above. It released its Preakness Stakes betting odds several days after BetOnline and Bovada, and there were only lines on a few horses, so you would need to contact the team to request prices on other potential contenders.

XBet offers daily horse racing betting and it is a great option on Preakness Stakes race day. It is also one of the leading US sportsbooks and boasts a dedicated and well-reviewed casino.

Choice of Preakness Stakes Bets

You can place futures bets on some of the potential runners at the Preakness Stakes when you visit XBet. On the day of the race, you should find it very easy to place straights and exotics.

Bonuses & Promos

You can use XBet promo code INSIDERS to claim a sportsbook sign-up bonus. It will also give you a  rebate on any straight bet losses you incur on the Preakness and an additional rebate on losses from exotics.

What we like:

  • Simple, user-friendly online gambling interface
  • Perfect for newcomers to betting on the Preakness Stakes
  • Offers a racebook rebate
  • Has a trustworthy reputation among bettors

What we don’t:

  • Does not offer fixed-odds futures on as many runners as some rivals
  • Smaller racebook rebate than BetOnline

Explore Our Expert-Written Sports Betting Guides

NBA
A comprehensive guide to betting on the NBA at the best betting sites in the US, featuring detailed reviews of the sportsbooks, lines, and odds.
NBA Betting
UFC
Everything you need to know about betting on the world's most popular MMA organization, the UFC. Discover the best UFC sportsbooks and learn about the markets.
UFC Betting
MLB
Whether it's the run line or parlay betting on the World Series, our MLB betting guide details everything you need to know about baseball betting in the US.
MLB Betting
NHL
Skate over to the top hockey sportsbooks and claim huge bonuses when you register. Read up on puck line betting and other popular NHL betting markets.
NHL Betting
Horse Racing
Unsure how to wager a trifecta at Preakness Stakes, or a quinella at Belmont? Our detailed horse racing betting guides will reveal all.
Horse Racing Betting
NFL
A complete guide to betting on America's Game. Learn how NFL odds and markets work, read our reviews of the top NFL sportsbooks and prepare to beat the spread.
NFL Betting
NCAAB
From the NBA Draft to March Madness and everything in between, our NCAAB betting guide sets out the key components to betting on college basketball.
NCAAB Betting
Esports
Discover the best esports betting sites for the world's most popular games: CS:GO, FIFA, CoD, WoW, and more. Use promo codes to claim rewards when you sign up.
Esports Betting
Tennis
Our team of betting experts presents a comprehensive overview of tennis betting markets, odds, key dates, and the best tennis sportsbooks in the USA.
Tennis Betting
Golf
Hoping to bet on The Masters, Ryder Cup, or US Open this year? Read our comprehensive golf betting guides first to increase your chances of success.
Golf Betting
Politics
Plenty of sportsbooks now offer politics betting markets. Learn how to profit during the elections and claim lucrative sign-up bonuses when you register.
Politics Betting
Boxing
Learn how to profit from the sweet science by reading our detailed boxing betting guide. Swing the odds back in your favor with reload bonuses and free bets.
Boxing Betting

How to Sign up to a Preakness Stakes Betting Site

It should take no more than a minute or two for you to sign up for an account with a Preakness Stakes betting site. Just follow these steps to create your account today:

1. Visit the BetOnline Website and Click “Join”

Click the link we have provided to visit BetOnline and hit the lime green “Join” box to the right of the homepage to load up the registration form.

BetOnline Preakness Stakes Registration

2. Provide Basic Personal Details

Enter your personal and contact details. Choose a strong, unique password that you have not used elsewhere.

BetOnline Registration Process for Preakness Stakes

3. Fund your Racebook Account

Deposit $20 or more via any of the options available. You could use a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, a credit card, a bank transfer, or a P2P transfer.

BetOnline Deposit Options

4. Visit the Racebook Section and Choose the Preakness Stakes

You will initially find it in the “Horse Racing – Futures” section on the main sportsbook menu, but it will be in the racebook section closer to the day of the race.

BetOnline Preakness Stakes

 

5. Place a Wager and Watch the Race

Click on any horse that appeals, choose your stake, select a bet type – such as the win, place, or show – and type in your stake. Click to submit the bet. If you click on multiple horses, you can create exotic bets such as exactas, trifectas, and quinellas within the bet slip. If your wager is successful, you will be paid out after the race.

There is much more information on how to bet the Preakness Stakes 2023 available at the link.

Preakness Stakes Betting

Popular Types of Preakness Stakes Betting Markets

Preakness Stakes betting options fall into two distinct categories: straight bets and exotic wagers. Read on to learn more about the main bet types available on this iconic race:

Straight Bets

There are three straight bets: the win, the place, and the show. You can also place an across-the-board bet, which is actually three separate wagers – one on the win, another on the place, and a third on the show. A $10 across-the-board bet would therefore cost you $30.

Win Bet

This is the simplest and most popular Preakness Stakes betting option. It simply requires you to predict which horse will win the race.

The Preakness Stakes betting sites will release fixed odds on the main contenders in advance of the race. That means you will know exactly how much you stand to win by betting on any of the runners. The odds also tell you each horse’s implied probability of success.

For example, if you bet $100 on First Mission at +240, you will receive an $240 profit if he goes on to win the race. It also gives him an implied probability of 29.4% of winning the race.

On race day, you can take part in pari-mutuel betting on the Preakness Stakes. All the money wagered on the win goes into a pool. The industry takes its cut, and the remainder is divided among bettors that picked the winning horse. You will see a dividend payout, which tells you the return to expect for every $1 wagered on the runner.

Example: First Mission to win the Preakness Stakes @ +240

Place Bet

This is a bet on a horse to finish either first or second in the Preakness Stakes. It does not matter whether your chosen horse finishes first or second. He or she just needs to finish in the top two. You will receive a smaller payout if you bet on the place as opposed to the win, but it gives you a stronger chance of success.

The payout on a place bet is calculated on a pari-mutuel basis after the race is over. You will only know your precise payout after the race, but you can use the Morning Line odds to predict what sort of dividend each runner might yield.

Example: Disarm to place in the Preakness Stakes.

Show Bet

This is a bet on a horse to finish in the top three. Your payout will be the same regardless of whether your chosen horse finishes first, second or third.

Example: National Treasure to show in the Preakness Stakes.

Exotic Wagers

Exotic wagers offer the potential to earn a large profit from a relatively small bet amount. However, it can be difficult to place a successful exotic bet, so you are rewarded handsomely if you can pull it off. These are the main types of exotic wagers for anyone interested in betting on the Preakness Stakes:

Exacta Bet

This is a bet on the winner of the Preakness Stakes and the runner-up. You have to specify the exact order in which they will cross the line, hence the name.

Your winnings will be calculated via a pari-mutuel pool. It is divided among bettors with winning tickets, so your payout will naturally be larger if you successfully combine two relatively unpopular horses for a winning Preakness Stakes exacta.

Example: First Mission to win the Preakness Stakes and Disarm to finish second in a $2 Exacta.

Quinella Bet

A quinella is a little easier than an exacta. It allows you to name two horses, and they can finish first and second in any order. A quinella is similar to a two-horse exacta box, but it comes from a different pari-mutuel betting pool, so the payout is different.

Example: First Mission and Disarm a $2 Preakness Stakes Quinella.

Trifecta Bet

A trifecta requires you to predict the first three horses to finish a race. You must state the precise order in which they will finish. A successful trifecta is therefore even harder to nail than an exacta, but you will be rewarded with a large payout if you manage to compile one.

You can box three or more runners together and create a series of trifectas within that group to make it easier for yourself. That is known as a trifecta box.

Example: First Mission, Disarm and Mage in a $0.50 Preakness Stakes betting Trifecta.

Superfecta Bet

A superfecta goes one step further by requiring you to name the winner, the runner-up, the third-place horse, and the fourth-place horse. Once again, you need to specify the exact order. It is very difficult, so payouts can be huge.

Example: First Mission, Disarm, Mage and Red Route One in a $1 Preakness Stakes Superfecta.

Super Hi-Five Bet

If you want to make betting on the Preakness Stakes difficult, go for a Super Hi-Five. It involves naming the first five horses to cross the line, in that exact order.

Example: First Mission, Disarm, Mage, Red Route One and National Treasure in a $1 Preakness Stakes Super Hi-Five.

Claim Preakness Stakes Betting Promo & Bonus Offers

Lots of different sites offer betting on the Preakness Stakes, so they need to work hard to attract customers. Most of them offer an appealing sign-up offer to stand out from the competition. Many racebooks also offer ongoing promotions to keep you coming back and to prevent you from leaving for a rival site.

These are the main bonuses to look out for:

Sign-Up Offer

Most online sportsbooks will match a percentage of your first deposit with site credit. For example, BetOnline offers a 100% bonus up to a maximum of $1,000, while XBet offers a 50% up to $500 bonus.

These offers tend to be for sports betting. However, the Bovada welcome bonus – a 75% up to $750 offer – can be used in the racebook. You need to complete a 5x rollover on your deposit and the bonus funds before cashing out.

Free Bets

You will find horse racing free bets at leading racebooks such as BetOnline. It will give you a $25 risk-free bet on the Preakness Stakes. If you place a $25 wager and it is unsuccessful, BetOnline will refund your stake.

However, you should bear in mind that the refund is paid in site credit, as opposed to cash. You then need to complete a 6x rollover requirement before withdrawing any winnings remaining.

Horse Racing Rebates

The best online betting sites provide a rebate on any racebook losses you receive. It goes up to 9% at BetOnline, 8% at MyBookie, and 7% at XBet. It applies to net losses incurred on a daily or weekly basis.

The refund is normally higher on exotic bets than straight bets. For example, BetOnline gives you a 4% rebate on straights and 9% on exotics. You normally need to complete a 1x rollover requirement on any funds received via a rebate before cashing out.

2023 Preakness Stakes Betting Odds – The Favorites

BetOnline and Bovada were the first two racebooks to release futures betting odds on the Preakness Stakes this year. As the table below shows, there are others with prices from oddsmakers too:

Preakness Stakes Horses BetUS Bovada Sportsbetting.ag BetOnline MyBookie
Mage +175 +175 +185 +185 +137
First Mission +225 +200 +240 +240 +225
Two Phil’s N/A +400 N/A N/A +400
National Treasure +800 +650 +1000 +1000 +1000
Derma Sotogake N/A N/A N/A N/A +800
Tapit Trice N/A N/A N/A N/A +800
Disarm +850 +1000 +750 +750 +800
Blazing Sevens +1100 +1000 +1200 +1200 +1400
Confidence Game +1100 +1000 +1200 +1200 +1600
Red Route One +1400 +1200 +1600 +1600 +2000
Perform +1500 N/A +1600 +1600 +1000
Henry Q N/A +1600 N/A N/A N/A
Instant Coffee N/A +2500 N/A N/A N/A
Chase The Chaos +3500 +2500 +5000 +5000 +6600
Il Miracolo N/A +5000 N/A N/A +6600
 All prices correct as of 11:00 EDT on Thursday, May 11 2023.

These prices are liable to change in the build-up to the race, and some of the runners are likely to be scratched. For more on Preakness Stakes betting odds, check out our detailed guide.

Kentucky Derby Runners in the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the fabled Triple Crown, nestled in between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont. The last horse to win all three races was Justify in 2018.

Four horses have won a Kentucky Derby-Preakness double in the past decade: Justify in 2018, American Pharaoh in 2015, California Chrome in 2014 and I’ll Have Another in 2012.

The Kentucky Derby is the main race that everyone looks to when seeking clues about how the Preakness might unfold. The Preakness is marginally shorter at 1 3/16 miles, as opposed to 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby, so any horses that were running out of steam in the final stages of the Derby may be popular.

Favorite Mage owes his status to winning the Kentucky Derby, but there was a hard luck story in-behind in Disarm, who was denied a clear run just when the race was developing. There are other contenders with different form lines to consider as well including First Mission.

It’s unclear at this stage if high-profile horses like Forte, Tapit Trice and Japanese globetotter Derma Sotogake will run in the Preakness Stakes or not.

5 Betting Tips for the Preakness Stakes 2023

Our Preakness Stakes betting tips can boost your chances of success when betting on this prestigious race:

preakness stakes betting tips

1. Find the Best Odds

Most horse races in the United States are paid out on a pari-mutuel basis. It does not matter which racebook you use, as the payout is always the same. The Preakness is different because you can also find fixed-odds betting odds on it.

Rival racebooks offer different odds on each runner in the Preakness Stakes. It is therefore important to find the best odds available, as that can make a huge difference to the profit you earn.

2. Look at Expert Picks

Handicapping an elite horse race such as the Preakness Stakes is tough because the overall quality in the field is extremely high. You can let an expert do the hard work for you. Check out Preakness Stakes betting picks for advice on how to approach this race.

3. Claim a Bonus

You can claim a generous bonus when betting on the Preakness Stakes. These bonuses cut down the house edge built into Preakness Stakes odds and claiming them can improve your overall chances of profitability.

4. Consider Place & Show Bets

Most bettors stick to wager on a horse to win the Preakness Stakes. However, it can be more prudent to bet on the place or the show due to the sheer quality of each runner. That was evident in the Kentucky Derby when the heavy favorite was beaten on the line by a huge outsider.

5. Factor in Fatigue

The Preakness Stakes comes just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, so fatigue is an issue for horses trying to flourish in both races. A fresher horse that skipped the Derby may make an appealing pick. Also remember that the distance is slightly shorter, so it could favor horses that struggled to close at Churchill Downs.

Past Preakness Stakes Winners

These are the Preakness Stakes betting results from the past decade:

Year Winning Horse Jockey Trainer Time
2022 Early Voting Jose Ortiz Chad Brown 1:54.54
2021 Rombauer Flavien Prat Michael W. McCarthy 1:53.62
2020 Swiss Skydiver Rory Albarado Kenneth McPeek 1:53.28
2019 War of Will Tyler Gaffalione Mark E. Casse 1:54.34
2018 Justify Mike Smith Bob Baffert 1:55.93
2017 Cloud Computing Javier Castellano Chad Brown 1:55.98
2016 Exaggerator Kent Desormeaux J. Keith Desormeaux 1:58.31
2015 American Pharoah Victor Espinoza Bob Baffert 1:58.46
2014 California Chrome Victor Espinoza Art Sherman 1:54.84
2013 Oxbow Gary Stevens D. Wayne Lukas 1:57.54
2012 I’ll Have Another Mario Gutierrez Doug O’Neill 1:55.94

Preakness Stakes Stats – The History

The Preakness Stakes was first held in 1873, two years before the inaugural running of the Kentucky Derby. It now forms the second leg of the Triple Crown, sandwiched in between the Derby and the Belmont. These stats highlight its ascent to prominence:

  • There were just seven starters in the first Preakness Stakes. Survivor, a three-year-old saddled by John Chamberlain, won by 10 lengths to collect the $2,500 winning purse.
  • Maryland Governor Oden Bowie named the race after a colt called Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day Pimlico opened in 1870.
  • The Preakness Stakes moved to New York from 1890 t0 1909 when it returned to Pimlico in Baltimore.
  • The Preakness Stakes receives the second-highest attendance of any US race, surpassed only by the Kentucky Derby.
  • Prize money increased to $25,000 in 1919 and $100,000 in 1946. It had reached $500,000 by 1989 and then hit $1 million in 1997. The current purse is $1.5 million.
  • Only six fillies have won the Preakness, and four came before 1925. However, Rachel Alexandra prevailed in 2009 and Swiss Skydiver won as recently as 2020.
  • American Pharaoh (2015) and Justify (2018) are the only Triple Crown winners since 1978.
  • The legendary Secretariat holds the speed record for the race, finishing in 1:53 in 1970. Smarty Jones won by the largest margin – 11.5 lengths in 2004.
  • Bob Baffert and R. Wyndham Walden are the most successful trainers, with seven wins apiece.

Best Preakness Stakes Betting App & Mobile Options

Horse racing betting apps such as TwinSpires and TVG allow you to bet on Preakness with ease. Those horse racing betting apps also offer extremely detailed racecards, and you can stream the Preakness Stakes live on either platform.

However, they may be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. If that is the case, mobile-optimized Preakness Stakes betting sites such as BetOnline and XBet make life easier for you.

Betting on the Preakness Stakes Near Me

There are either horse racing tracks or off-track betting parlors in more than 40 states. For example, if you want to bet on horse racing in Florida, you can head to one of the Sunshine State’s popular racetracks or an off-track betting facility.

That includes Maryland horse racing betting, the state in which the Preakness is held, where you will find a variety of racetracks and off-track betting facilities too. However, it is always quicker and more convenient to enjoy betting on the Preakness Stakes online, and you will receive bonuses too.

More on horse racing betting…

If you would like to learn more about betting on the Preakness Stakes, check out these additional resources from our experts:

Best Betting Site for Preakness Stakes 2023

BetOnline is the best site for betting on the Preakness Stakes 2023. It offers very appealing fixed-odds futures on the leading contenders for the race. You will also be able to bet on a full suite of pari-mutuel betting options on race day, including straights and exotics.

It will give you a large sportsbook welcome bonus, plus a $25 risk-free bet on the Preakness Stakes. If you win, BetOnline offers quick, dependable payouts. It is also a user-friendly racebook platform, so you will have no trouble figuring out how to place a wager. Visit BetOnline today, sign up and grab a stake in the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Best Betting Site for Preakness Stakes
Bovada Sports logo

Get a Welcome Bonus of up to $750

5 Stars Claim Now

Preakness Stakes Betting FAQs

What horse should I bet on in the Preakness Stakes?

How can I bet on the Preakness Stakes today?

Can I bet on the Preakness Stakes?

What horses are running in the Preakness Stakes 2023?

Where is the Preakness Stakes 2023?

Is the Preakness Stakes run on dirt?

How many horses will be racing in the Preakness Stakes?

Jackson Holland is an experienced sports writer and handicapper based in Pennsylvania. He worked part-time at a racetrack and casino while majoring in English Literature at college, and that inspired a passion for gambling. Holland spent a decade as a journalist working for a variety of regional newspapers before joining the sports betting industry. He writes long-form betting guides for Basketball Insiders, Augusta Free Press and various other publications.