The clouds are starting to clear just a little bit at Pimlico, but rain will certainly be a factor in the 2024 Preakness Stakes and the rest of Saturday's races, as we take a look at the Preakness Stakes weather forecast and latest updates on the rain and track conditions.
It has rained off and on all morning at Pimlico, with rain in the forecast until roughly 1:30 p.m. ET. According to those at the track, the turf is in good condition. However, it's still to be seen how the dirt track for the Triple Crown main event will fare. And while the heaviest precipitation is likely behind us, we are expecting light showers off and on throughout much of the afternoon, with temperates in the 60s. However, there isn't expected to be heavy or steady rain the rest of the day.
So what does the rain and weather mean for your 2024 Preakness Stakes bets? First, keep in mind that Mystik Dan, the current favorite to win the Preakness, won the 2024 Kentucky Derby in similar conditions. And as our horse racing expert Mike Conti notes, Mystik Dan seems to love "off" tracks, especially when they're muddy, having "floated over" the Oaklawn mud in the Grade 3 Southwest in addition to his win at Churchill Downs.
That said, Mystik Dan isn't our best bet to win Saturday's Preakness Stakes. For more on that, check out our 2024 Preakness Stakes Odds, Best Bets: Updated Odds, Expert Picks to Win, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta.
2024 Preakness Stakes Odds
| POST POSITION | HORSE | ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | 19-1 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | 7-1 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | 7-2 |
| 4 | Muth | Scratched |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | 3-1 |
| 6 | Seize the Grey | 8-1 |
| 7 | Just Steel | 9-1 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | 7-2 |
| 9 | Imagination | 4-1 |
Odds via TwinSpires as of Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Similarly, No. 2 Uncle Heavy should be a heavier consideration for your Preakness bets given the inclement weather. As Conti explains, two of the horse's three lifetime wins were on an "off" track, including one that was rather muddy, which moves Uncle Heavy up Conti's betting card.
The rain could have an impact on how you bet races further down the Preakness card as well. In Race 8, the No. 4 Jaxson Traveler is currently our favorite bet, but he has only run on a wet track once and he did not run well. It's worth noting that was also his first start off a three-month layoff.
So all in all, expect a wet, muddy 2024 Preakness Stakes. And for more on how to bet the day at Pimlico, check out 2024 Preakness Stakes Odds, Picks, Predictions for Saturday's Races at Pimlico.
