As the 151st Preakness Stakes approaches this Saturday, all eyes are on Iron Honor, the Chad Brown-trained colt who enters as the favorite. But according to racing insider Byron King, there are two other horses worth watching closely—and they could spoil the party at Laurel Park.
This year's second leg of the Triple Crown has a different feel. Only three Kentucky Derby competitors are making the trip to Maryland, and none of them is Derby winner Golden Tempo. That opens the door for fresh contenders, and Iron Honor—skipping the Derby entirely—steps in as the 9-2 favorite.
King believes we might see the best version of Iron Honor yet. The colt is racing with his blinkers off, a strategic move that often helps a horse settle and relax during the race. "Many believe he will run much better than his seventh-place finish in the Wood Memorial," King told Sportsnaut. "I like Iron Honor quite a bit. Especially with the 'blinkers off' angle, which suggests the horse is more seasoned."
But for bettors looking for value, King points to the local angle. With the race moved to Laurel Park this year instead of the traditional Pimlico, Maryland-bred horses may have a home-track advantage. "You are going to have a lot of horses in the 5-1 to 15-1 range where you can make a case for them," King said. "Some tried-and-true methods, like picking the Derby winner, don't exist this year."
One local contender stands out as a legitimate threat. With a strong pedigree and the advantage of racing on familiar ground, this horse could deliver the kind of upset that makes the Preakness unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or just looking for a reason to root for an underdog, Saturday's race promises plenty of drama.
