Preakness Stakes Odds: Imagination Avoiding Muth's Fever Bug?

While the main event is inching closer, the field of Preakness Stakes odds has shrunk. That's because Muth, first listed as the morning-line favorite, was scratched on Wednesday after spiking a fever the night before. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is left with one contestant in the Preakness Stakes, Imagination. Find out below whether the three-year-old colt is in jeopardy of missing the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.

If you haven't signed up with FanDuel Racing, first-time customers can earn up to a $500 no-sweat bet on Preakness odds! Those already with an account on FanDuel Sportsbook are still eligible for this FanDuel Racing offer. Click “PLAY NOW” below to get started.

#

Sportsbook

Bonus

Features

Bet

1

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

• Wide coverage of US and international sports
• Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
• Regular odds boosts and promos

Bet Now BetMGM Review

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

2

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

• Wide coverage of US and international sports
• High-quality iOS and Android apps
• Very fast withdrawal times

Bet Now DraftKings Review

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

3

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Bet Now FanDuel Review

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

4

10 x $100 bet match in FanCash

• Unique FanCash loyalty program
• Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
• Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming

Bet Now Fanatics Review

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Discover more on how to bet on the Preakness Stakes!

imagination's status for Preakness odds

Imagination (6-1) proved he was healthy at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday, galloping around Pimlico's main track. Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes noted the horse was in stellar condition. The track experienced rain the night before but held up well in the early morning.

“These things happen,” Barnes said. “It’s just unfortunate for it to happen. But we do all the precautionary measures we can take as far as isolating the horse. No contamination.”

Barnes and his team couldn't explain why Muth, Imagination's stablemate, became ill. However, the trek to Baltimore certainly didn't help.

Operated by FedEx, horses are initially shipped on planes, presenting minimal shipping options. That was not true when Tex Sutton Equine Air Transportation was at the controls.

“Tex Sutton would normally fly right into Baltimore vs. FedEx, where we have to fly to Newark,” Barnes said. “Unfortunately, they land at a bad time. You land at 4:50 (p.m.), by the time you get out of there it's 5, and you’re looking at a lot of traffic coming in through New York.”

Baffert's team quickly learned of Muth's sickness, anticipating the fever would subside in just a few days. The timeline could be enough for Muth to train for the Belmont Stakes, slated for June 8.

Conversely, Barnes stated that Imagination had no ill effects from the trip, meaning Baffert should have a shot at his ninth win at Pimlico.

In April, jockey Frankie Dettori rode Imagination to a second-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). He's set to hop on his saddle again for the Preakness Stakes, his first time competing in the race. The complete list of Preakness morning-line odds is below.

• Join TheLines.com's free sports betting Discord — with over 4,000 community members and our staff sharing ideas daily.