Preakness Drama Sees Favorite 'Muth' Drop Out, Clearing Way For 'Mystik Dan' In Next Leg Of Triple Crown
There's been a major shake up in this weekend's Preakness race as favorite ‘Muth’ has withdrawn after registering a 103 degree fever.
The Maryland Jockey Club announced the disappointing news just 12 hours after the horse arrived at Baltimore's Maryland Jockey Club.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The implications are massive for both pony fans and bettors as Muth was listed as the 8-5 favorite, followed by Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan at 5-2. To add more to the drama that was supposed to unfold this weekend, Muth had just won a March 30th race where Mystik Dan came in third - hence why he was ready to play spoiler and shake things up on Saturday.
And if you're wondering why you didn't hear Muth's name at the Kentucky Derby a few weeks back, it's because the horse is trained by Hall of Fame owner Bob Baffert, who is still a suspension from Churchill Downs and any Derby race after his Medina Spirit colt won the 2021 Derby only to later fail a drug test.
With Muth out, Mystik Dan now rises to the best odds to win this weekend's race and a chance to compete for the Triple Crown if he comes away with the victory.
POTENTIAL TRIPLE CROWN
Mystik Dan assistant trainer Ray Byrner took the news of Muth's withdrawal as a positive for his horse.
"It takes a lot out of the equation. We don't have to worry about him, so there are eight horses now and we can kind of run our race and not worry about chasing the horse they call the favorite," Byrner told ESPN. "I'm sure there's a lot of disappointed people on that end of it. I'm not disappointed, I have to be honest. With him out of the race, it makes us pretty strong."
Yes it does, Ray, yes it does.
Mystik Dan will look to win this weekend's Preakness. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
With Muth out, Mystik Dan's biggest threat comes from Catching Freedom, who finished fourth in the Derby two weeks ago. Mystik previously lost to Catching Freedom in the lead up to the Derby as well.
Meanwhile, Baffert will shift his Preakness winning hopes from Muth to his other horse, Imagination - who does have a legitimate shot at 6-1.
The bottom line? Make sure you're at a television and ready to scream Saturday because it could either be potentially historical as Mystik Dan could continue towards a Triple Crown or drama should he lose.
Here's a look at the updated odds and post positions:
1. Mugatu (20-1)
2. Uncle Heavy (20-1)
3. Catching Freedom (6-1)
5, Mystik Dan (5-2)
6. Seize The Gray (15-1)
7. Just Steel (15-1)
8. Tuscan Gold (8-1)
9. Imagination (6-1)