Mystik Dan Preakness 2024- Unexpected Favorite: Mystik Dan

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan is now the 8-5 favorite on the updated morning line for Saturday’s 149th Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course. Mystik Dan, who pulled off an 18-1 upset at Churchill Downs on May 4, was initially placed second at 5-2 odds behind the original 8-5 favorite, Muth, according to the initial morning line by Maryland Jockey Club handicapper Brian Nadeau after Monday’s entries for the $2 million Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

The update on Thursday was necessary after Bob Baffert-trained Muth was scratched on Tuesday morning due to an elevated temperature.

Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeek and owned by Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing LLC, Daniel Hamby III, and Valley View Farm LLC, will compete against seven other 3-year-olds as he aims to add the 1 3/16-mile Preakness to his 2024 Triple Crown achievements.

SF Racing LLC and partners’ Imagination, who was a close second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), is now the second favorite at 3-1. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Imagination aims for Baffert’s ninth Preakness win.

Albaugh Family Stables LLC’s Catching Freedom, who finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, is rated third at 7-2. Following him are William Lawrence, Walmac Farm, and Stonestreet Stables LLC’s Tuscan Gold at 9-2, MyRacehorse’s Seize the Grey and BC Stables LLC and Henry Schmueckle’s Just Steel at 12-1, and Average Joe Racing Stables LLC and Dan Wells’ Mugatu, and Michael Milam and LC Racings LLC’s Uncle Heavy, both at 20-1.