This year, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico was a hugely anticipated race, as a field of nine was available in the Preakness Stakes odds.
A notable absentee from the race was the Kentucky Derby winner, Rich Strike, who opted for a run in the Belmont Stakes instead.
But, many Preakness Stakes predictions indicated that Epicenter was the horse to side with, as connections looked to avenge the three-year-old’s near miss in the opening Triple Crown race.
However, below you can find a 2022 Preakness Stakes of Best Jockeys to Bet On, the recap.
Top 5 Preakness Stakes Best Jockeys to Bet On
1. Jose Ortiz
Jose Ortiz and his ride in the Preakness Stakes was the second choice in the horse racing odds in the leading up to the race.
However, Early Voting being the freshest horse in the field, was a major factor in the final stages, as he was able to be driven out as the line approached.
Eventually, he managed to hold off Epicenter to win by a length and a quarter. It was an excellent ride by Ortiz, and even Early Voting drifting left towards the line couldn’t help the other contenders get any closer.
Grade 1 Victories Since Preakness
It has been a hugely successful season for Ortiz, as he has so often been the man for the big occasion. In total, he has won over $17 million in prize money and has recorded 154 winners in 630 rides.
However, it has been his success in Grade 1 company that has shown his quality this year.
Aside from the Preakness, he has won further Grade 1s in the form of the Jenny Wiley, Apple Blossom Stakes, and the Derby City Distaff.
His success on Jack Christopher in the G1 Woody Stephens was also a standout moment, and the three-year-old could be his leading chance at the Breeders’ Cup later in the year.
2. Joel Rosario
Joel Rosario was on board the favorite for the Preakness Stakes in May, but the quick turnaround after the Kentucky Derby looked to go against the three-year-old.
He was well held by the winner in the final 150 yards and couldn’t make up the difference between the top two.
However, he traveled well throughout the race and moved into second with 1 ½ furlongs remaining.
Strong Strike Rate
Rosario is currently the jockey in second place on the leaderboard, as he has picked up 126 wins from 604 rides this season.
He is operating at a hugely progressive strike rate of 21%, and he has finished in the top three on 52% of his rides this season.
As you would expect from one of the most dominant jockeys this year, Rosario has claimed a number of Grade 1 wins.
His biggest success came on board Epicenter, as the three-year-old bounced back from his Triple Crown rides by winning the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes.
The Grade 1 victories that he has recorded have come on board Jackie’s Warrior and Pauline’s Pearl.
3. Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr
Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr was one of the lesser-known jockeys in the Preakness Stakes this year. However, he was on board a selection that featured prominently in the horse racing picks.
Creative Minister was given a dark horse chance, and despite fading in the closing stages, he was able to finish in third.
Hernandez Jr Enjoying Fine Season
It has been a strong year for Hernandez Jr in the saddle, as he sits 14th in the jockey standings. He has won nearly $7 million in prize money and is closing in on his 100th winner of the season.
Hernandez Jr is striking at 17%, and he has finished in the top three on 42% of his rides throughout 2022.
His only Grade 1 success this season came on board Dalika, as the German-bred runner came out on top in a very competitive renewal of the G1 Beverly D. Stakes.
However, as the season progresses, further success could come on Tiz The Bomb and Twilight Blue.
4. Luis Saez
Luis Saez bid to make history at the Preakness Stakes earlier this year as he took the ride on Secret Oath. She was looking to become a filly winner of the Triple Crown race, and confidence in the three-year-old was high after she landed the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
However, it wasn’t to be her day at Pimlico, as she faded to finish fourth. Once again, the quick turnaround following his exertions at Churchill Downs could have been detrimental to her chances.
Saez Among Most Regular Riders
One of the most surprising things about Saez is just how busy he has been throughout this season. No rider in the top ten of the standings has been as active at Saez as he is closing in on his 1000th ride in 2022.
So far this year, he has won over $14 million in prize money, with 176 winners being recorded from 942 rides.
After winning the G1 Kentucky Oaks earlier in the year, he has landed three more wins in Grade 1 company.
He was on board Casa Creed, who landed the G1 Fourstardave, while Shirl’s Speight was the winner of the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile.
He also achieved notable Grade 2 victories with New Year’s Eve, Fearless, and Bella Sofia.
5. Junior Alvarado
Junior Alvarado took the ride on Skippylongstocking in the Preakness Stakes this year, and he delivered a creditable bid.
The three-year-old eventually tired in the final stages, but he was able to take fifth by a nose from Simplification.
Saffie Joseph Jr was delighted with the ride, and given the quality of the field, fifth was likely the best place that Skippylongstocking could place.
Alvarado Closing In On 100 Winners
It has been another steady season for Alvarado, and he is closing in on 100 winners for the season. He has won 88 times from the 617 rides that he has had, which means that he is striking at a decent 14%.
However, he sits the lowest in the jockey standings among the riders that we have looked at, as he is 18th overall.
Alvarado’s Victory
His biggest victory this season was achieved in the G1 Carter Handicap, as Speaker’s Corner was a very impressive winner.
However, his most profitable rides this term have come on board Olympiad, which includes a win in the G2 Stephen Foster.
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