Mystik Dan Favored in Preakness Stakes After Muth Scratch
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes is set to captivate horse racing enthusiasts following the thrilling 150th Kentucky Derby earlier this month. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes holds immense significance, particularly for the Kentucky Derby winner.
Entering Pimlico as the betting favorite, Mystik Dan is now the horse to watch. However, the original favorite, Muth, who had an impressive win in the Arkansas Derby, was scratched earlier this week, significantly altering the race dynamics. Muth’s absence leaves Mystik Dan as the new frontrunner, making this one of the key storylines leading up to the race.
Trainer Bob Baffert, a Hall of Famer, remains suspended from Churchill Downs, preventing him from entering his horses in the Kentucky Derby. This situation set the stage for a showdown between the Kentucky Derby winner and the highly regarded Muth, who was the initial morning line favorite. However, Muth’s unexpected scratch this week has reshaped the betting landscape.
With Muth out of the race, Mystik Dan now takes over as the favorite. Baffert still has a contender in Imagination, but the race’s pace has dramatically shifted. Similar to a game script in football, the race’s early speed, initially set by Muth, has left a gap, providing Mystik Dan with a clearer path to victory.
Mystik Dan’s odds have adjusted accordingly, moving from 5-2 to +250 on the morning line. This race could be a significant step toward achieving the Triple Crown, a feat accomplished only 13 times, with the last winner being Justify in 2018.
The Preakness Stakes often flies under the radar compared to the Kentucky Derby, yet it plays a crucial role in a horse’s journey toward legendary status. For Mystik Dan, this race is not just a bridge between victories but a pivotal moment to prove his place among the greats in horse racing history. With the path now seemingly wide open, Mystik Dan has an excellent chance of continuing his quest for the Triple Crown.
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