Preakness 2023 predictions, odds: Expert picks for Saturday’s second race in the Triple Crown

The 2023 Preakness features only seven horses, so that could make it a difficult betting race. Mage is the overwhelming favorite at 8-5 on the morning line odds. He’s also the only horse that ran in the Kentucky Derby, and it is a two-week break for Mage. He’s only run in four races, which could play in his favor as he has a short layoff. The Preakness is the shortest Triple Crown race, which also helps Mage.

Seven horses is the smallest field for the Preakness since 1986. Highs for Saturday will be in the mid-70s and the forecast calls for scattered showers. The change for rain is 40 percent.

Our Teresa Genaro also analyzed every horse in the 2023 Preakness.

Morning Line Odds

Odds as of Friday at 9 p.m. ET.

1. National Treasure (4-1)
2. Chase the Chaos (50-1)
3. Mage (8-5)
4. Coffeewithchris (20-1)
5. Red Route One (10-1)
6. Perform (15-1)
7. Blazing Sevens (6-1)
8. First Mission SCRATCH

Expert Picks

Dana O’Neil

I know there are a lot of people who will try to find reasons not to pick Derby winner and favorite, Mage. I get it. Not only is there no money to be made on the obvious choice, the two-week layoff is a significant disadvantage for the colt that no one else in the field has to face.

But the field does not offer a lot of speed to discourage going with Mage, and if he gets a good break — which has been admittedly elusive — I’m going with the Derby winner taking the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Teresa Genaro

My original pick was First Mission, and so much for that.

The scratch of First Mission makes the race harder for Mage, because, without First Mission’s pace pressure on National Treasure, Mage may have to go with an early leader to avoid a loose-on-the-lead winner.

So I’m going with Perform. His past performances do give me some pause, but I trust trainer Shug McGaughey, and I think he’ll be a bit of a price.

Underneath, I’m using Mage, because he’s a good horse that should be able to hit the board; Red Route One because his breeding, connections, and record all suggest that he can run with these horses; and Coffeewithchris because he’s a longshot and a great local story.

If the track ends up wet, I’ll toss Mage and add Blazing Sevens.

Win: Perform

Exacta box: Perform, Mage, Red Route One, Coffeewithchris

Trifecta box: Perform, Mage, Red Route One, Coffeewithchris

If the track ends up wet, I’ll toss Mage and add Blazing Sevens.

Andrew DeWitt

National Treasure seems to be the speed and Mage may be able to keep pace, but also won’t be able to keep up and will flame out at the end. Blazing Sevens will come from behind to win at the wire as National Treasure and Mage drop off the pace. Red Route One is my longer shot to finish in the money.

Win: Blazing Sevens

Exacta Box: Blazing Sevens, Red Route One, Mage

Trifecta Box: Blazing Sevens, Red Route One, Mage, National Treasure