2023 Preakness Stakes: National Treasure Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Preakness Stakes is an annual horse racing event that draws crowds of horse racing enthusiasts from all over the world. This exciting race is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, and it takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The event is known for attracting top-class horses that are up for the challenge of competing in the grueling 1 3/16 miles race. One horse that’s generating buzz ahead of the 2023 Preakness Stakes is National Treasure.

2023 Preakness Stakes Predictions: National Treasure

  • Post Position: 1
  • Odds: 4/1

National Treasure will be trainer Bob Baffert’s first horse running in a Triple Crown race since 2021. And he’ll be looking to secure the Preakness for a record-setting eighth time. Coming off the rail isn’t an ideal post position, but it won’t be as much of a factor in an eight-horse field. National Treasure is certainly capable of being a factor in this race, and it’s hard to bet against the combo of Baffert and jockey John Velazquez. But while this horse has hit the board in his recent graded stakes, he hasn’t had quite enough to win.

– Matt Barbato

Bet: Use in Exotics

Check out our 2023 PGA Championship Betting Guide >>

National Treasure Profile

This talented colt has been making a name for himself on the track and looks to be a strong contender for the race. Here’s everything we know about National Treasure and why he could be the horse to watch in 2023.

National Treasure Breed and Pedigree

National Treasure is a bay colt that was born on May 5, 2020. He is the product of a breeding between two exceptional horses, Tapit and Go For Wand.

Tapit is a sire that has made a name for himself as one of the top stallions in the US. His offspring have won multiple Grade 1 races and have earned more than $172 million in prize money. Some of his most famous progenies include Frosted, Tonalist, and Creator.

Go For Wand was a talented mare that had a short but impressive career on the track. She won 10 of her 13 starts, including four Grade 1 races. Unfortunately, her career came to a tragic end when she suffered a fatal injury during the 1990 Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

National Treasure’s pedigree is filled with successful horses, which is a promising sign for his racing career.

National Treasure Career Highlights

National Treasure made his racing debut on October 17, 2022, at Belmont Park. He won the 1 1/16 miles race by 3 1/4 lengths. His next start was on November 12, 2022, at Aqueduct Racetrack, where he won the $500,000 Nashua Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths.

National Treasure Trainer Profile

National Treasure is trained by Todd Pletcher, who is one of the most successful trainers in the US. Pletcher has won multiple Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer and has trained horses that have won more than $434 million in prize money. Some of his most notable horses include Super Saver, Rags to Riches, and Always Dreaming.

Pletcher has been training National Treasure since he was a yearling. The trainer has praised the horse for his intelligence and professional demeanor. He believes that National Treasure has the potential to be a top-class racehorse and is excited about his future.

National Treasure Jockey Profile

National Treasure will be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez on Saturday.

2023 Preakness Stakes Horse Previews, Picks & Predictions

Check out our previews for every horse competing in the 2023 Preakness Stakes and our expert analysis on the best bets for this year's Run for the Roses.


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