Pimlico Horse Racing Picks Including Preakness for Saturday 5/20/23

The biggest stakes races at Pimlico Race Course are this weekend in Baltimore. Included is Saturday's headliner - the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes.

A total of 10 stakes races on Saturday, May 20 draws fans to the track and all day mobile betting for horse racing enthusiasts. The first stakes race starts in Race 4 at 12:16 p.m. ET with Race 13 and the Preakness Stakes at 7:01 p.m. ET.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, monitor the weather, and keep an eye on the track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races after adjusting for track, distances, and conditions).

Pimlico Betting Picks

According to numberFire horse racing projections and Guaranteed Tip Sheet (GTS), these are some of the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing Saturday, including for the Preakness Stakes.

Did you follow FanDuel Racing picks and cash in a 3-for-3 day at Churchill Downs on May 4? All six win picks finished in the money providing additional Exacta and Trifecta payoffs. Also, in recent picks at Keeneland, Time For Trouble (18/1) cashed $2 win bets for $37.50 and a $2 exacta paid $189. 

Mobile betting on horse racing is easy with the best-in-class experience at FanDuel.

1. Coppola and Nothing Better, Race 10

FanDuel Racing Odds: 6/1 and 3/1
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Race 10 offers high payoff potential in the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint at 5 furlongs on the turf. Nothing Better (3/1) has won 8-of-20 starts including a minor stakes in Nov. He was sharp in his 2023 debut last month winning an Allowance race wire-to-wire as the favorite with his best-ever speed figure (109). Coppola (6/1) ran the highest, last race speed figure (105) last race despite having to check to avoid a spill, according to Guaranteed Tip Sheet. He switched to turf three races back for new trainer Dale Romans and HOF jockey John Velazquez rides. That's Right (12/1) cuts back in distance which should be helpful in his first race since late October. Beer Can Man (8/1) breaks from the far outside 13 post with top jockey Flavien Prat riding. He needed his last start off the layoff, and projects to move forward and chase down the horses setting blazing fast fractions. Include in exacta and trifecta wagering.

2. Circling the Drain and Nagirroc, Race 12

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/1 and 8/5
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Race 12 is the $100,000 James W. Murphy Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 mile on the turf. Circling the Drain (8/1) has a shot to upset the favorite Nagirroc (8/5). Circling the Drain makes his turf debut, but he's capable and has top late speed figures. Nagirroc breaks from the outside 9 post with top jockey Flavien Prat riding. He's a reliable board hitter, but note he's not yet reached the Winners Circle in three grass route tries. Blinkers added, and he's facing weaker competition compared to recent races.

3. Mage and National Treasure, Race 13

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/5 and 4/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 13 is the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 3/16 miles. A field of 7 includes Kentucky Derby winner Mage (8/5), who catches another break with the scratch Friday of leading contender and dark horse, First Mission. That affects exacta and trifecta wagering strategy, and a lower payoff is more likely for the Preakness with Mage the top choice of most bettors.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.