3 Dark Horse Picks to Win the 2023 Preakness

It's time to bet the 2023 Preakness Stakes, which should have good weather and a fast track in Baltimore on Saturday. The May 20th Preakness is filled with a number of "new shooters" to challenge Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness favorite, Mage.

As you consider your wagering strategy and types of bets with Win-Place-Show, along with Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta bets, here are some dark horses to add to your Preakness betting portfolio who are capable of winning the 148th Preakness Stakes.

1. First Mission (5/2)

First Mission is the best of the New Shooters, and trainer Brad Cox had this lightly-raced colt pointed to this race since his debut just three 3 months ago. First Mission won his stakes debut as the favorite in April in the 1 1/16 mile Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, and top jockey Luis Saez will ride him again in the Preakness. This colt owns the desired balanced and best Energy Distribution Profile in this field, and he has very stout stamina breeding as the top challenger to overtake the favorite Mage.

2. National Treasure (4/1)

National Treasure has four graded stakes races under his saddle including three Grade 1’s. He finished in-the-money in three of those races and finished fourth in the Santa Anita Derby last month with his third triple-digit speed figure. National Treasure’s speed and energy reserve index ratings are favorable when compared with the numbers put up by Mage and First Mission, and National Treasure will offer greater value in the process. 

3. Red Route One (10/1)

Red Route One is a deep closer who has already raced nine times but is winless in six graded stakes starts. He did win a 1 1/8 mile minor stakes last month in a photo finish at Oaklawn Park after finishing sixth the previous race in the 1 1/8 mile Arkansas Derby. A move forward and a closer race near mid-pack on the back stretch could allow strong strech rider Joel Rosario to get this son of the great Gun Runner to make a strong move at the leaders.

Check out more Preakness coverage from The Duel:

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.