Orb is the favorite at the Preakness after winning the Kentucky Derby, here are the opening odds for the race:
2013 Preakness Stakes Post Positions, Odds, and Jockeys:
1. Orb (Even): Joel Rosario
2. Goldencents (8/1): Kevin Krigger
3. Titletown Five (30/1): Julien Leparoux
4. Departing (6/1): Brian Hernandez, Jr.
5. Mylute (5/1): Rosie Napravnik
6. Oxbow (15/1): Gary Stevens
7. Will Take Charge (12/1): Mike Smith
8. Govenor Charlie (12/1): Martin Garcia
9. Itsmyluckyday (10/1): John Velazquez
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas offered an ominous assessment for those hoping Kentucky Derby champion Orb will have his Triple Crown aspirations trampled at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.
If he'll scratch, I'll feel better about the whole race," said Lukas, who will saddle three colts in the nine-horse race though none better than 12-1 odds in the morning line.
"That's an exceptional horse, and in great hands. It's going to be difficult to beat him. His work this week was great."
Orb, an even-money favorite in the morning line ridden by Joel Rosario, has been unbeatable this year - literally - with four straight wins and is riding a five-race winning streak.
The son of Malibu Moon will break from the one hole but trainer Shug McGaughey saw no problems opening along the rail.
"The '1' is different here than it is at Churchill. The race starts at the three-sixteenths pole here and it's a straight shot. We'll be fine," said McGaughey, who has not competed in the Preakness since 1989, when Easy Goer lost to Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence by a nose.
(Reuters quotes)
