Expert Pick of the Week: 2024 Preakness Stakes

May 17, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A total of eight sophomores will go postward in the $2 million Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico on Saturday. The second leg of the Triple Crown will be contested at 1 3/16 miles on the main strip, and is led by Kentucky Derby (G1) star Mystik Dan, who will have his work cut out for him while making his local debut.

Conditioner Bob Baffert has won the race on eight occasions and has a big chance to add a ninth trophy to his credit when he saddles Imagination. Second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) most recently, the seven-figure son of Into Mischief was a game winner of the San Felipe S. (G2) two back, and he has finished first or second in each of his six lifetime tries to date.

The expensive colt has very good early speed, and I expect him to sit in a fine spot either on top, or forcing the action from second, on the backside leading up to the turn for home. He is something of a grinder who will appreciate the added distance on Saturday, and the Kentucky-bred has a solid chance to give jockey Frankie Dettori his first classic victory on United States soil.

Chad Brown’s Tuscan Gold has shown nice improvement in each lifetime try to date and was last seen finishing a very good third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) in his stakes bow. By Medaglia d’Oro, the bay has reportedly been training in progressive fashion leading up to the tilt, and I love that he bypassed the Peter Pan S. (G2) at Aqueduct last weekend in favor of the Preakness.

Tuscan Gold was prominent throughout at Fair Grounds most recently, and I expect him to sit in the second flight early on before being given his cue at the top of the stretch. The $600,000 yearling purchase retains the services of Tyler Gaffalione.

Mystik Dan outran his odds in Louisville, and the Kenny McPeek pupil is obviously a major win contender under Brian Hernandez Jr. The Goldencents colt has a versatile running style as well as a quick turn of foot, and I feel that cutting back to 1 3/16 miles will be a benefit to the sophomore, too. He will be popular at the windows in the storied event.

Expert Pick

An exacta with #9 Imagination on top of #5 Mystik Dan and #8 Tuscan Gold in the 2024 Preakness Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.