Nyquist colt favourite for Preakness in Kentucky Derby winner’s absence

Iron Honor was installed as the 9-2 morning-line favourite for Saturday’s 151st Preakness Stakes after drawing a middle gate for the 14-horse field at Laurel Park, where the race is being staged during redevelopment work at Pimlico.

Trainer Chad Brown’s colt, a sparingly raced son of Nyquist to be ridden by Flavien Prat, heads an even lineup missing the Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo.

Early wagering after the draw showed support building for Iron Honor, with several betting markets shortening the colt from opening futures prices near 19-1 to clear favouritism ahead of the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The absence of Golden Tempo ended any prospect of a Triple Crown bid this year and shifted betting attention toward fresher runners and lightly raced newcomers entering the Preakness off shorter campaigns.

Saturday’s race at Laurel Park in Maryland will be the first Preakness held away from Pimlico since 1908.