In less than a week the second stage of the American Triple Crown, the 2011 Preakness Stakes betting race will be run at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland. The 136^th edition of the Preakness betting race is set to be one of the best, as the field appears more open than in years past. Here is a preview of the upcoming Preakness Stakes set for Saturday May 21, 2011.

Animal Kingdom – After entering the Kentucky Derby as a long shot and riding away with the victory, Animal Kingdom enters the Preakness Stakes as the odds on favorite at four to one to win the race. Born and trained 60 miles from Pimlico Racecourse, Animal Kingdom should have the majority of the crowd support, and should be comfortable running the race. In four career races, Animal Kingdom has won three and finished in second in one. Along with new jockey John Velazquez, Animal Kingdom will be America’s best shot at a Triple Crown winner.

Shackleford – Known as a speed horse, Shackleford was able to set Churchill Downs on fire during the Kentucky Derby, as it jumped out to an early lead, before running out of gas down the final stretch. However, despite running out of steam, Shackleford still managed to finish fourth in the Derby. Given that Pimlico Racecourse, is catered towards speed horses, if Shackleford jumps out to another early lead, it should be able to win the Preakness Stakes. Shackleford odds are six to one.

Dialed In – Although it flopped at the Kentucky Derby, Dialed In will be riding in the Preakness Stakes. Despite finishing eighth at Churchill Downs, taking Dialed In to win the Preakness Stakes appears to be a great option, as in the horse’s one other poor start, it returned a few weeks later to finish first in its next start.