Heart of Honor: Preakness Stakes Contender

Preakness Stakes 2024: Contenders, Odds, and Expert Predictions

The 150th preakness stakes is fast approaching, and the excitement is building. Set for May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, this year’s Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown promises high stakes and thrilling competition. With potential contenders like Heart of Honor,Clever Again,and Rodriguez gearing up,let’s dive into the latest updates,track insights,and expert predictions. Who will emerge victorious in this prestigious race? Keep reading to find out.

Heart of Honor: An International Challenger

Heart of Honor, trained by British conditioner Jamie Osborne, is set to make a splash at the Preakness Stakes. Following a strong second-place finish in the UAE Derby (G2) on April 5, the son of Honor A.P. is shipping from Osborne’s Lambourn stable to the U.S. for planning. “He told me he wasn’t ready for a break,” Osborne remarked, noting the horse’s robust condition post-dubai.

The decision to enter Heart of honor in the Preakness was strategic. “the Kentucky Derby was clearly going to be too soon for him,” Osborne explained. “The extra couple of weeks will probably be to our benefit.” Heart of Honor will sport blinkers, a tactic first employed in the UAE Derby to improve his focus and racing position.

Pro Tip: Pay close attention to horses making their first start with blinkers. this equipment change can significantly impact a horse’s performance, especially in terms of focus and early speed.

Saffie Osborne, Jamie’s 23-year-old daughter, will be in the saddle for the Preakness, adding a familial dimension to this international endeavor.

Clever Again: A Rising Star from the Asmussen Barn

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen is preparing Clever Again for a shot at the Preakness Stakes. Clever Again, a son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, recently completed a five-furlong workout in 1:01.60 at Churchill Downs with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard. this workout, initially delayed due to track conditions, has asmussen optimistic.

“The horse obviously has plenty of talent,” Asmussen noted. “He’s very kind, manageable.Jose loved how he felt today, how he galloped out.” Clever Again boasts a win in the Hot Springs Stakes in March, showcasing his ability to lead and maintain speed. Ortiz praised the colt’s laid-back demeanor, stating, “He’s a very nice horse. He’s very laid back, which helps him a lot during the race.”

asmussen aims for his third Preakness victory, following Curlin in 2007 and Rachel Alexandra in 2009. Clever Again is scheduled for a half-mile workout before vanning to Pimlico.

Did You Know? Steve Asmussen is one of the leading trainers in North American history, with over 9,000 career wins. His expertise and track record make Clever Again a serious contender.

rodriguez: Baffert’s Hope for a Record-Extending Victory

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is set to saddle Rodriguez, aiming to add to his record eight victories in the Preakness Stakes. Rodriguez, winner of the Wood Memorial (G2), was withdrawn from the kentucky Derby due to a minor foot issue, now resolved. Baffert confirmed that Rodriguez has continued training and will have a timed workout before shipping to Pimlico.

Mike Smith, a Hall of Famer with two Preakness victories, including aboard Baffert’s 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, will ride Rodriguez. This experienced partnership could prove formidable.

American Promise: Lukas Seeks Back-to-Back Preakness Wins

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, fresh off last year’s Preakness win with Seize the Gray, is preparing Virginia Derby winner American Promise for another run. Despite finishing 16th in the Kentucky Derby, Lukas believes American Promise has bounced back well. “he’s back into the feed tub, doing well,” Lukas said.

Nik Juarez will retain the mount.Lukas explained, “He rode a real good race to get out of trouble right out of the gate.” Lukas has seven Preakness victories to his name,making him a perennial threat.

Journalism: A Potential Contender?

Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism is also under consideration for the Preakness. Trainer Michael McCarthy’s assistant, Justin Curran, reported that Journalism is showing good energy and appetite following the Derby. The decision to enter him in the Preakness will be made by the owners after further training.

Gosger: A Late Bloomer to Watch

Brendan Walsh is considering entering Stonestreet Lexington winner Gosger in the Preakness. A decision will be made after a workout at Keeneland. Gosger’s win in the Lexington Stakes in his third career start indicates potential for further enhancement.

Preakness Stakes 2024: Key Contenders at a glance

Horse Name	Trainer	Jockey	Notable Achievement
Heart of Honor	Jamie Osborne	Saffie Osborne	2nd, UAE Derby (G2)
Clever Again	Steve Asmussen	Jose Ortiz	Winner, Hot Springs Stakes
Rodriguez	bob Baffert	Mike Smith	Winner, Wood Memorial (G2)
american Promise	D. Wayne Lukas	nik Juarez	Winner, Virginia Derby
Journalism	Michael McCarthy	TBD	2nd, Kentucky Derby (G1)
Gosger	Brendan Walsh	TBD	Winner, Stonestreet Lexington

Expert Predictions and Betting Odds

As the preakness Stakes draws near, expert predictions and betting odds are constantly evolving. Seasoned handicappers are closely analyzing each horse’s past performances, workout times, and jockey-trainer combinations to make informed forecasts. Keep an eye on reputable sources for the latest updates and insights to inform your betting decisions.

Reader Poll: Who Will Win the Preakness Stakes?

Who do you think will win the Preakness stakes? Cast your vote in our reader poll and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the date of the 2024 Preakness Stakes?

The 150th Preakness Stakes will be held on may 17.

Where is the Preakness Stakes held?

The race takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

which horses are considered top contenders for the 2024 Preakness Stakes?

Top contenders include Heart of Honor, Clever Again, Rodriguez, American Promise, Journalism, and Gosger.

Who is the trainer of Heart of Honor?

The trainer of Heart of Honor is Jamie Osborne.

Who is the jockey of Rodriguez?

The jockey of Rodriguez is Mike Smith.

Considering the factors discussed, how likely is Heart of Honor to defeat Clever Again in the Preakness Stakes 2024?

Preakness Stakes 2024: A Conversation with Racing Analyst, Anya Sharma

Archyde News editor: Welcome, racing analyst Anya Sharma, to Archyde. The 150th Preakness Stakes is fast approaching. We have so much to discuss! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to be here to discuss this exciting race!

Archyde News editor: Absolutely.Let’s start with Heart of Honor. A promising international contender trained by Jamie Osborne. What are your expectations for this horse given its recent form and the blinkers addition?

Anya Sharma: Heart of Honor is certainly an intriguing prospect. The second-place finish in the UAE Derby showed a real talent, and the blinkers could make a big difference. They can sharpen focus, which is vital in the Preakness. It’s worth noting Saffie Osborne in the saddle; it adds a compelling layer to their story.

Archyde News Editor: Indeed! Speaking of proven talent, Clever Again, with Steve Asmussen at the helm, seems to be another strong contender.What dose the expertise of a trainer like asmussen bring to the table, and how does Clever Again’s form look?

Anya Sharma: Asmussen’s record speaks for itself. he knows how to win big races. clever Again’s recent workouts show the potential and a win in the Hot Springs Stakes showcases speed and potential. With Asmussen targeting his third Preakness win, he’s definitely one to watch.

Archyde News Editor: Moving on to Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, and ridden by Mike Smith. What advantage does their partnership provide?

Anya Sharma: Baffert and smith are a formidable duo. They know how to win the Preakness, and Rodriguez, after the Wood Memorial win, has the ability. Their experience in high-stakes races gives them a important edge.

Archyde News Editor: We can’t forget about American Promise, trained by D. Wayne Lukas. What are your thoughts on his chances?

Anya Sharma: D. Wayne Lukas is a hall-of-fame trainer and should always be respected. It will be engaging to see how American promise bounces back.

Archyde News Editor: Then there is potential for the kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism. What are your expectations, and why is this an interesting storyline?

Anya Sharma: If Journalism enters, it adds another layer of complexity to the field. The Kentucky Derby result makes him a serious contender, and if he’s showing positive signs post-Derby, he has a shot!

Archyde News Editor: what about Gosger? He did shine in the Stonestreet Lexington? What is your take on his future in this race?

Anya sharma: Gosger is certainly a late bloomer to watch in the Stonestreet Lexington. It really will be something to keep an eye on.

Archyde News Editor: As the Preakness Stakes draws closer, what advice do you have for our readers looking to place a bet?

Anya Sharma: Study the form, the workout times, and the jockey-trainer combinations. Pay close attention to any equipment changes, like the blinkers on Heart of Honor. Expert predictions and betting odds are always useful, but trust your gut! And remember to enjoy the race!

Archyde News Editor: That’s excellent advice. Anya, thank you for sharing your insights! It’s been an informative and engaging conversation.

Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.