The early favorite to win the 2024 Preakness Stakes didn't run this year's Kentucky Derby — and now, Muth is set to miss the Preakness, as well.
On Wednesday morning, legendary trainer Bob Baffert told reporters that Muth, who was 8-5 to win the Preakness as of this week, would withdraw after spiking a fever of 103 degrees on Tuesday night.
From Pimlico: Preakness (G1) morning line favorite Muth has been declared out of Saturday’s race after spiking a temperature after arriving at Pimlico late Tuesday night.
Hall of Fame trainer BB said the Arkansas Derby (G1) winner spiked a temperature of 103
— Ray Paulick (@raypaulick) May 15, 2024
Muth did not run the 2024 Kentucky Derby due to Baffert serving a two-year suspension at Churchill Downs after the 2021 Derby winner and Baffert horse Medina Spirit failed a drug test and was stripped of his Derby title.
Although other Baffert-trained horses have run the Derby since, it was only by virtue of changing trainers before the race.
As of Wednesday morning, Muth was still technically on the board at TwinSpires for the latest Preakness Stakes 2024 odds. But if we ignore Muth's line, it is now 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan who is the betting favorite at 5-2. Coincidentally, last year's Preakness winner, National Treasure, also went off at 5-2.
2024 Preakness Stakes Odds
| # | HORSE | ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mugatu | 20-1 |
| 2 | Uncle Heavy | 20-1 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | 6-1 |
| 4 | Muth | Scratched |
| 5 | Mystik Dan | 5-2 |
| 6 | Seize the Grey | 15-1 |
| 7 | Just Steel | 15-1 |
| 8 | Tuscan Gold | 8-1 |
| 9 | Imagination | 6-1 |
Odds via TwinSpires.
