Preakness Stakes 2017: Post positions and updated betting odds

The second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown takes place in Baltimore this weekend. Always Dreaming is the early favorite of the Preakness Stakes.

The Kentucky Derby is behind us, leaving one true contender for the Triple Crown in horse racing. The Preakness Stakes takes the focus of the horse racing world, and all eyes will be on Derby winner Always Dreaming. Can the dark bay continue his undefeated streak is 2017?

Ten horses are confirmed for the 142nd running of the Preakness, but only five ran in the Kentucky Derby. After Always Dreaming finished the race, Looking At Lee followed by 2 and 1/2 lengths. Early Derby favorite Classic Empire finished fourth, and Gunnevera in seventh. Hence finished eleventh.

Always Dreaming opens at 4-to-5 odds, with Classic Empire at 3-to-1. They will start side-by-side in posts four and five, respectively. Gunnevera posts in the sixth gate, and is an early 15-1 odd. While many experts say Classic Empire ran well in the Kentucky Derby, he was crushed in the close pack out of the gate. The smaller field here should help him.

Only 11 horses finished with a victory from the fourth post, the last to do that being Curlin in 2007. The 2011 winner, Shackleford, was the ninth to win after posting fifth. Fifteen horses won when starting in the sixth gate. Should Always Dreaming get away from the field and win, he will be the 18th to win both the opening races of the Triple Crown, but not the crown. Or, he will be the 13th to win all three races.

Next: Twitter reacts to Always Dreaming winning Kentucky Derby

Weather will be a concern this weekend as well. After several warm and sunny days, rain all day and night Friday followed by cooler temperatures could lead to a sloppy.

track. The Preakness will air on NBC stations, starting at 5 p.m. ET. Live streaming will be available on the Preakness Facebook Page and at NBCSport.com