Journalism (Curlin), widely regarded as the favorite for the GI Kentucky Derby on May 3, has been made the 8-1 choice for the single-pool Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager according to a release from the new Maryland Jockey Club.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling was third over an insufficient six furlongs on career debut last October, but has since rattled off four straight victories at a mile and beyond, most recently overcoming trouble to take the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5.
'TDN Rising Star' Cornucopian (Into Mischief), who went six furlongs in 1:09.02 at Oaklawn Feb. 23 before weakening to fourth in the GI Arkansas Derby after fighting out nuclear fractions, could attempt to become a ninth Preakness winner for trainer Bob Baffert and is available at odds of 10-1 in the Future Wager.
Baeza (McKinzie) was runner-up in the latter event and will require some help to draw into the Derby field, but the half-brother to the Classic-winning full-brothers Mage and Dornoch–both by Good Magic–has been pegged at morning-line odds of 12-1 for the Preakness Future Wager.
A handful of horses are priced at 15-1 on the morning line, including Pay Billy (Improbable), recent winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes and guaranteed a spot in the Preakness; and Gosger (Nyquist), impressive in taking out the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland Apr. 12.
There are a total of 40 betting interests in the Preakness Future Win Wager, with the final one being 'all other 3-year-olds' at 50-1.
The wagering pool opens at noon ET on Friday, Apr. 25 and will close Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. ET, prior to the running of the Derby.
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