Why bother with shows like “The Real Housewives” or “90 Day Fiancé” when you have the drama-packed 2021 Preakness Stakes to watch this weekend?
This Saturday, May 15, marks the occurrence of the second leg of horse racing’s renowned Triple Crown. Just like it has been the tradition since 1873, the esteemed Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, will serve as the host venue.
What should you anticipate when the horses step onto the track for today’s main race at 5 p.m. on NBC?
Recent Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit will undoubtedly attract attention, and so will his esteemed trainer, Bob Baffert, who is a Hall of Fame trainer.
However, the reason behind his impact on the sport is not solely due to his integrity and positive publicity.
Baffert brings the circus to Preakness Stakes
Medina Spirit’s triumph at the 146th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, followed by a victorious performance at the Belmont Stakes on June 5, would mark the first Triple Crown victory since Justify’s win in 2018.
Nevertheless, race enthusiasts are uncertain about the legitimacy of Baffert’s triumph in the Kentucky Derby. The initial reports on Sunday revealed that Medina Spirit had been found positive for betamethasone, an illicit anti-inflammatory substance.
At first, Baffert adamantly denied any misconduct, even going as far as to attribute the failed test to “cancel culture.” However, he later shifted the blame to an ointment that he claimed to be unaware contained the prohibited substance.
However, the reputation of the 68-year-old was already in doubt, as reported by the Washington Post, even prior to this recent unsuccessful test.
With his wry sense of humor, he exudes an ingratiating personality. However, alongside Baffert’s success lies a troubling history of medication violations and unexplained horse deaths spanning four decades. What stands out the most is his remarkable ability to evade substantial consequences and maintain his position at the top, highlighting the racing industry’s glaring inability to effectively regulate itself.
Medina Spirit emerged victorious in a competitive field of 19 at the Kentucky Derby. However, there is a possibility that race officials may strip away the victory and disqualify the horse if the “split sample” test also yields unfavorable results. We can expect the results of this test in the upcoming weeks.
Medina Spirit had to undergo additional drug testing prior to the Preakness in order to meet the race’s qualifying criteria.
Bet on the Preakness Stakes at TVG
Similar to the restrictions for Kentucky Derby, horse bettors in Virginia will not have the option to place wagers on horses through conventional sports-betting methods.
Alternatively, you have the option to place your Preakness Stakes bets online through TVG. TVG is a legal horse betting app and streaming service accessible across the United States.
In contrast to other sports’ fixed-odds betting, horse racing employs a pari-mutuel wagering system. This system, also referred to as pool betting, only reveals the final odds once all bets are gathered and the vigorish is subtracted.
TVG employs the identical pari-mutuel system that is utilized at a physical racetrack or on the displays of an off-track racebook.
TVG stands out as the most renowned platform for advance-deposit wagering. By utilizing an ADW site, you have the opportunity to place bets only after depositing funds into your account (no credit wagers are permitted). Whether it is the 2021 Preakness or any other horse race happening globally, you can engage in wagering activities.
TVG offers a variety of features that cater to the needs of its users. These include race previews and live video streams, as well as handicapping advice and deposit bonuses specifically designed for new players.
Preakness odds for Medina Spirit
Even with his owner’s controversial history, Medina Spirit remains a top contender for the upcoming race this weekend.
The morning-line favorite, according to oddsmakers, is the horse teamed up with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Medina Spirit holds the shortest odds at 9-5.
Concert Tour (5-2), Midnight Bourbon (5-1), and Crowded Trade (10-1) are also among the top contenders in the 10-horse field.
In the last ten years, a small number of underdogs with double-digit odds have emerged victorious in the race, famously referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.”
With a time of 1:53.28, Swiss Skydiver emerged victorious in the 2020 Preakness, marking the second-best time ever recorded. The exceptional filly gracefully traversed the 1 3⁄16-mile race (9.5 furlongs), coming remarkably close to the legendary Secretariat’s track record of 1:53, which stands as the fastest at that distance.
Place your Preakness bets at Rosie’s
Are you interested in watching the Preakness with other horseplayers, but prefer not to travel to Pimlico?
The race watch parties hosted by Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums, spread across different locations in Virginia, are underway.
The primary attraction at the historical horse racing venues lies in their HHR machines, which bear a resemblance to slots. Rosie’s establishments also offer off-track betting (OTB) options, complemented by their on-site racebooks.
At these Virginia OTB establishments, you will find a dedicated area filled with multiple TV screens broadcasting races from various locations nationwide. Whether you prefer the convenience of Rosie’s traditional betting windows or the autonomy of self-service machines, both options are available for placing your bets on the races.
Rosie’s can be located in the cities of Virginia as follows:
- The Triangle Shopping Plaza is located in Dumfries, with the zip code 18069.
- Power Plant Parkway in Hampton was established in 1996.
- The address is 10515 Colonial Downs Parkway in New Kent.
- Richmond, 6807 Midlothian Turnpike
- Vinton, 1135 Vinyard Road
Rosie’s in Virginia not only offers live horse racing, but also hosts the Colonial Downs Racetrack at their New Kent location. You have the opportunity to witness the races firsthand and in real-time. The races occur every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, specifically from July 19 to Sept. 1.
Related Articles
