2021 Preakness Stakes Betting Preview PT 1

Now that the 2021 Kentucky Derby has run, we have some really interesting storylines beginning to develop stateside on the flat racing circuit. There’s a lot of solid form coming into the Preakness Stakes, which is the second leg of the American Triple Crown. 

Bet £10 Get £30 in FreeBets at William Hill

Bob Baffert’s Medina Spirit, expertly ridden by John Velazquez, was able to muster up a surprise win for the now-seven-time Derby-winning trainer and they are pointing towards Pimlico as the next destination and there might be a few other Baffert runners going into the starting gate in Maryland. 

The race was tough on Essential Quality, who was right there for most of the 1m2f trip but just couldn’t muster up the closing kick needed to get closer to the leading contenders. Hot Rod Charlie had also taken plenty of money and he acquitted himself well with a third place finish. 

Juddmonte’s Mandaloun was an upset second when sent off at a 25/1 price tag and he is also said to be heading towards Pimlico and you reckon there’s no questions about his ability to handle the distance on offer there and in the Belmont Stakes as well. 

The question for punters really is whether Medina Spirit is a genuine stand-out amongst this year’s three-year-old crop akin to American Pharoah or Justify, or is he a solid horse who peaked at the right time and got some luck during the run for the roses similar to Animal Kingdom ten years ago?