ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Preakness 2018 draw and odds: Justify is overwhelming favorite

BALTIMORE — After a 2 1/2-length victory in slop in the Kentucky Derby, the unbeaten Justify will try to claim the second jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday in the mile and 3/16 Preakness Stakes. Trained by the Triple Crown-winning Bob Baffert, Justify drew Post 7, same as he had in the Derby, and was installed as the overwhelming 1-2 morning-line favorite during the draw Wednesday at Pimlico Race Course.

Baffert said that what makes all of those horses so special is the way they cover ground while making it look easy. “I love watching him move, it’s like Pharoah,” he said of Justify.

Still, Justify is no sure thing. He was found to have a hoof bruise after the Derby, but Baffert said he was doing fine and ready to roll.

Seven horses are set to line up against him, including three he beat in the Derby and some new contenders. Good Magic, the Derby runner-up who is trained by Chad Brown, drew Post 5 and was made the second choice at 3-1.

ADVERTISEMENT

“With an eight-horse field, and a long run to the first turn, there’s really no disadvantage to where anyone drew,” said Tom Amoss, the trainer of Lone Sailor, who finished eighth in the Derby.

As in the Derby, rain is forecast for the Baltimore area Saturday. Justify, who did not race as a 2-year-old and has only four races on his short but impressive résumé, has won twice on wet tracks.

Elliott Walden, president and chief executive of WinStar Farm, which co-owns Justify, said he thought the draw was a good omen.

“To come out of the 7 like he did at Churchill, I think is good,” Walden said.

Here’s the full field:

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Quip

Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset Jockey: Florent Geroux Odds: 12-1

2. Lone Sailor

Trainer: Tom Amoss Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Odds: 15-1

3. Sporting Chance

ADVERTISEMENT

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Jockey: Luis Contreras Odds: 30-1

4. Diamond King

Trainer: John Servis Jockey: Javier Castellano Odds: 30-1

5. Good Magic

Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Jose Ortiz Odds: 3-1

ADVERTISEMENT

6. Tenfold

Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. Odds: 20-1

7. Justify

Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Mike Smith Odds: 1-2

8. Bravazo

ADVERTISEMENT

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Jockey: Luis Saez Odds: 20-1

This article originally appeared in The New York Times

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT