Just 36 hours prior to the 148th Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, First Mission was withdrawn from the field of the 2023 Preakness Stakes, resulting in a decrease in the number of entries to seven, the lowest since 1986. In a smaller group of competitors, Mage will attempt to join the ranks of the 37 Kentucky Derby winners who have also triumphed in the Preakness Stakes. If Mage manages to secure another victory at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, he could potentially become the 14th Triple Crown winner, defying the odds. Although Mage holds the position of the 8-5 favorite in the current 2023 Preakness Stakes odds, the condensed field presents opportunities for other contenders to emerge. Horses such as Red Route One (10-1), Blazing Sevens (6-1), and National Treasure (4-1) will strive to carve out their own place in Triple Crown history during the 2023 Preakness Stakes.

Scheduled to commence at 7:01 p.m. ET on Saturday, the 2023 Preakness Stakes offers an exciting spectacle. Before finalizing any selections for the race, it is advisable to consider the horse racing insights provided by Jody Demling, a highly accomplished figure in the equestrian domain, renowned for his accurate predictions at the Preakness. Having correctly identified the Preakness winner on nine occasions within the last 18 years and accurately predicted the exact outcome in the 2022 Preakness, Demling’s expertise holds significant weight. Additionally, he has demonstrated his astuteness by correctly picking the winner of the Belmont Stakes four out of the past five years, including an exacta in 2022 featuring Mo Donegal and Nest. Furthermore, he accurately foresaw Flightline’s triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last November.

Moreover, Demling has successfully predicted the outcomes of 10 out of the last 15 Derby-Oaks doubles at Churchill Downs. In essence, this means that he possessed winning tickets for both races, with only five instances of his predictions falling short within the past 15 attempts. Consequently, individuals who have followed Demling’s insights have achieved substantial gains.

Also Read: Preakness Stakes 2023 result

Noteworthy 2023 Preakness Stakes Predictions

One intriguing selection made by Demling for the 2023 Preakness Stakes is his endorsement of Blazing Sevens, despite the longshot odds of 6-1. This recommendation presents an enticing opportunity for those seeking a substantial payout. With a reduced field, Blazing Sevens stands to benefit, particularly considering his previous challenges in establishing a lead early in races. The diminished competition provides a higher likelihood of executing a powerful surge toward the finish line.

It is also worth mentioning Blazing Sevens’ notable lineage. His grandsire is Curlin, the victor of the 2007 Preakness, while his sire is Good Magic, who secured fourth place in the 2018 Preakness and second place in the Kentucky Derby prior to that. While a victory for Blazing Sevens depends on more than just his lineage, it certainly adds to his credentials as a potential winner. For further details and additional selections, please refer to the aforementioned link.

Guidance for Making Picks and Wagers on the 2023 Preakness Stakes

Demling’s top choice is an underestimated horse who possesses the qualities of a “rising star.” Furthermore, he offers an unexpected prediction for Mage, who enters the race following an extraordinary triumph in the Kentucky Derby. To view Demling’s comprehensive projected leaderboard and to gain insights into his choices, visit SportsLine.

Who will emerge victorious in the 2023 Preakness Stakes? Where will Mage finish? And which overlooked horse is a must-bet? Take a look at the latest 2023 Preakness Stakes odds below, and then head over to SportsLine to access Demling’s picks for the 2023 Preakness Stakes, provided by the expert who accurately predicted 10 Derby-Oaks doubles and nine out of the last 18 Preakness winners.