The Preakness Stakes is quickly approaching, set to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. As one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing world, the Preakness brings together top horses, jockeys, and trainers for a thrilling contest. With the excitement building, many bettors are already looking ahead to making their wagers.
One of the most strategic ways to bet on the Preakness is through future wagers. These bets allow you to place your wager on the winner long before the race itself, sometimes months in advance. Plus, they offer significant payouts. While future wagers can offer big rewards, they require careful research and timing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to help you successfully place future wagers on the Preakness Stakes:
Understand Future Wagers
Futures wagers allow you to bet on a horse to win the Preakness Stakes well before the race. These bets are typically placed months in advance, and the odds are set early. Unlike regular bets placed on race day, future wagers are locked in at the time of the bet but can change depending on factors like the horse’s performance in prep races or any injuries leading up to the event.
The key advantage of future wagers is the opportunity to lock in odds before the field is finalized. If the horse performs well leading up to the race, your bet could offer a higher payout. However, this also means you’re betting on outcomes that may change over time. Horses can improve or decline in form, making it essential to keep track of their progress as the race draws near.
Research the Horses
Since you’re placing your bet months in advance, you won’t know the exact lineup until closer to the race. However, you can still get a sense of which horses are likely to participate based on their performances in prep races leading up to the Preakness. Look for horses with strong form in major races like the Kentucky Derby or other graded stakes.
Take note of the horse’s pedigree, training history, and the jockey riding them. A horse with a solid track record, consistent performance, and a strong trainer is often a good candidate for a future wager. Also, monitor any changes to the horse’s training schedule or injuries. These can impact a horse’s chances of winning and influence their Preakness odds in future betting markets.
Follow Expert Opinions
As you get deeper into future wagering, following expert opinions can be a huge help. Many horse racing analysts and experts closely follow the sport and provide predictions, insights, and race previews. These experts often share their views on which horses are expected to do well in major races like the Preakness Stakes.
Keep in mind that expert opinions are just one piece of the puzzle. They can offer valuable insights into a horse’s form, training, and chances of success. However, it’s important to combine their predictions with your own research. This will help you make more informed decisions and avoid blindly following the crowd.
Track Odds and Changes
Future wager odds can change for several reasons, including a horse’s performance in other races or changes in training. Tracking these odds allows you to identify trends and spot opportunities to place your bet at the most favorable time. For instance, if a horse’s odds improve after a strong performance, it could signal that the horse is gaining momentum, making it a good time to lock in your bet.
Understanding why odds change is just as important as monitoring them. A drop in odds often indicates increasing confidence in a horse’s ability, while rising odds might suggest doubts or shifting attention toward other competitors. Keeping track of these fluctuations helps you make more informed, strategic decisions when it’s time to place your future wager.
Assess the Betting Trends
Another helpful strategy for future wagers is to observe the general betting trends in the lead-up to the Preakness. Pay attention to how bettors are positioning themselves as the race nears. For example, if a horse is gaining significant support from the public, it could indicate confidence or momentum based on prior performances or recent buzz.
However, it’s also worth considering the horses that aren’t getting as much attention. A horse that is flying under the radar may provide hidden value if the odds are high compared to their potential. Watching these trends can give you a sense of the public’s sentiment, which can either confirm your own analysis or point to an opportunity that others might have overlooked.
Are Future Wagers for Me?
Future wagers can be an exciting option for bettors who enjoy long-term strategy and the opportunity to lock in odds early. They allow you to place a bet months in advance, giving you time to track horses and their performances leading up to the Preakness. However, this type of betting may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer immediate results or aren’t keen on doing the research.
