Jon White Preakness 2023 Expert Picks & Predictions: Mage Among Best Bets To Win Preakness Stakes

Preakness Stakes contender Mage practices.

Jon White’s picks and predictions for the 2023 Preakness Stakes have been released. Find Jon White’s Preakness 2023 picks and predictions for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The 148th running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 20. Will Mage be able to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive with a win at the Preakness? Jon White believes it can happen.

Here are Jon White’s picks and predictions for the 2023 Preakness Stakes.


The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites for Preakness 2023

$1000 Welcome Bonus For Sports
Claim Offer
100% Up To $500 Welcome Bonus
Claim Offer
100% Sign Up Bonus Up To $1000
Claim Offer Now
$750 Sports Betting Offer
Claim Offer
50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $1000
Claim Offer
125% Sign Up Bonus + Up to 30 Risk Free Bets
Claim Offer Now
Double Your Money Twice Welcome Bonus
Claim Offer Now
200% Welcome Bonus
Claim Offer Now

Jon White Preakness 2023 Picks & Predictions

The morning line favorite for the 2023 Preakness Stakes is Mage, currently listed at +145 on BetOnline. White believes Mage has what it takes to win the Preakness after its magical run at the Derby. White also likes two other favorites, First Mission (+275) and National Treasure (+500). If White has to use a fourth as a longshot, keep an eye on Perform (+1600).

Mage (+145)

After winning the Kentucky Derby with 15-1 morning line odds, Mage catapulted himself to the front as the favorite for the Preakness. With a shorter track, Mage will have to make a move earlier, but it will always play to his benefit because of his quickness (102 Equibase speed figure).

When Mage won the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, I confess that I was not on board,” White said. “Will Mage add his name to the list of Grade I Kentucky Derby winners who subsequently captured the Grade I Preakness? I think so.”

First Mission (+275)

Right behind Mage on White’s ticket is First Mission, who will be making his Grade 1 stakes debut at the Preakness. First Mission is trained by Brad Cox, who won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2021 and will look to win his first Preakness on Saturday. Plus, jockey Luis Saez, who has over 3,000 career wins, will be on First Mission.

First Mission did not race during its two-year-old season, but neither did Derby winner Mage. First Mission has the speed (103 top Equibase Speed Figure) to beat Mage down the final stretch.

National Treasure (+500)

White’s third selection is National Treasure, the talented 3-year-old trained by Bob Baffert. With seven wins in the Preakness Stakes, Baffert is looking to move solely into first place for most all-time wins in this race with a victory from National Treasure. Plus, it’s Baffert’s first Triple Crown race since coming back from his suspension.

Running out of Gate No. 3, National Treasure will be one of the closers looking to use its speed late. With a top Equibase speed figure of 101, National Treasure is a viable play on Saturday.


Preakness Stakes Betting Guides 2023

Arrow to top