From 20-1 to 2-1, what a difference two weeks makes for Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. At Churchill Downs, Animal Kingdom was a long-shot, but came from behind to storm down the stretch and overtake the field in the run for the roses. On Saturday, in the Preakness, Animal Kingdom will enter the gates as the favorite after earning the best odds in the morning line.
It’s no surprise to see Animal Kingdom with the best early odds in the Preakness. As the only horse with a shot at the Triple Crown, he’s the sentimental favorite, although the field is full of pitfalls and challengers. A few of the strong finishers from the Kentucky Derby are back, as well as a host of new shooters looking to make a name for themselves and knock the Derby winner off his pedestal.
As we detailed earlier, the post positions to watch are all grouped together. Mucho Macho Man is in the No. 9 spot, Dialed In drew the No. 10 position and Animal Kingdom is outside the two in the No. 11 gate. The three hold the best odds in the race and are each expected to be in the mix at Pimlico on Saturday.
The full list of starting positions and odds can be found below.
No. 1 Astrology 15-1
No. 2 Norman Asborjson 20-1
No. 3 King Congie 20-1
No. 4 Flashpoint 20-1
No. 5 Shackleford 12-1
No. 6 Sway Away 15-1
No. 7 Midnight Interlude 15-1
No. 8 Dance City 12-1
No. 9 Mucho Macho Man 6-1
No. 10 Dialed In 9-2
No. 11 Animal Kingdom 2-1
No. 12 Isn’t He Perfect 30-1
No. 13 Concealed Identity 30-1
No. 14 Mr. Commons 20-1
Stay with our Preakness Stakes StoryStream for more on the race as it becomes available. For all your horse racing needs, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. Check out SB Nation's 2011 Preakness Stakes StoryStream for updates throughout the week.