Not Just Where, But Why To Watch The 2023 Preakness Stakes In New Jersey
The Kentucky Derby is behind us, and the next leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing takes place on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
If you’ve had your fill of horse racing excitement for the year and plan to skip the Preakness Stakes, you could be missing out on history in the making.
As often happens with the iconic contest known as the Kentucky Derby, this year a story emerged. An underdog story perhaps. Derby winner Mage defied the odds – and most predictions – to win the Run for the Roses by a length over the much more favored Two Phil’s. Mage is now on a road that could lead him to earning the most prestigious title in racing.
Now with the Preakness among us, we take a look not just at WHERE to watch the Preakness Stakes – but also WHY.
Underdog leads pack in 2023 Preakness Stakes
The Derby was Mage’s fourth race ever, and his odds were 15-1 at post time. But Mage didn’t just get lucky. He’s a fast horse with an experienced trainer. Experienced, but it was the first Triple Crown race that trainer Gustavo Delgado has won.
Now, the elusive Triple Crown title is on the line. Winning the Triple Crown serves as a rare accomplishment that only 13 previous horses have achieved since 1875. A lot of things have to go right for a horse to get it done.
Heading into this weekend’s race, the oft-overlooked duo is now in the spotlight. Mage is the favorite to win on Saturday in an eight-horse field rife with Kentucky Derby veteran trainers and jockeys. This year’s particularly small field could work to his advantage.
Mage has a real chance to win the Preakness. If he does, and he also takes first at the Belmont Stakes in three weeks, Mage will join the likes of Secretariat, American Pharaoh and Justify as a Triple Crown winner.
Another reason to watch the Preakness: Paying homage to the New Jersey-bred horse that provided the race’s title. The horse, named Preakness, was bred at Preakness Stud in Wayne. And he won the first running of the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico’s opening day back in 1870.
Where to watch the Preakness Stakes in New Jersey
If we’ve got you convinced, you can watch the Preakness from anywhere on NBC, CNBC, Peacock or NBC Sports. Preakness coverage kicks off at 1 p.m. on May 20, but Pimlico’s first post time of the day stands at 10:30 a.m. Organizers have slated the Preakness Stakes post time for 7:01 p.m.
For those watching from home or on the go, placing bets on the Preakness is made easy with NJ’s horse racing apps like FanDuel Racing.
To get into the racing spirit, NJ’s racetracks are the best place to watch the Preakness.
Meadowlands will open their doors at 9:30 a.m. and offer simulcast wagering as well as live harness racing on Saturday. Live harness post time at Meadowlands is 6:20 p.m.
Over at Monmouth Park, the live Caesars Sportsbook features over 100 TVs and a 75-foot video wall where they’ll show the big race. Caesars will open at 9 a.m. and close at midnight on Saturday. Monmouth’s live racing kicks off at 12:40 p.m.
Some sports bars around the state will air the race, and some offer off-track betting as well. Your nearest Favorites location always proves a safe bet. Favorites has locations in Egg Harbor, Toms River, Hillsborough, Gloucester and Woodbridge.
In Atlantic City, just one casino offers horse racing as an option on its sportsbook menu. That’s the Borgata’s BetMGM Race & Sports Book.
For strictly watching, sportsbooks like Caesars Sportsbook at Wild Wild West and other casino bars will likely air the race as well.
Watch and wager from anywhere and get special promotions
You don’t have to drive all over the state to find a betting option, or even a way to watch the race. Previously mentioned apps like FanDuel Racing let you watch the race right on your mobile device.
FanDuel is again offering a $20 “No Sweat Bet” on the Preakness, as they did for the Kentucky Derby.
With the promotion, you can place a single win bet up to $20. If your bet loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet to use on horse racing wagers.
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