Epicenter is nearly 7-5 favorite in Vegas betting on Preakness

With live betting already available at one Nevada racebook, Kentucky Derby runner-up Epicenter was nearly a 7-5 (plus 135) favorite in early wagering for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes.

Circa Sports in downtown Las Vegas was first to accept wagers on the race that will be run for the 147th time at Pimlico in Baltimore.

Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Secret Oath and Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Early Voting were co-second favorites at 4-1. Simplification, who finished fourth in the Derby, was 8-1.

In addition to its win pool with a $300 limit per bet, Circa also opened yes-no wagering options on all but one of the Preakness horses, leaving out only late entrant Fenwick. Epicenter is minus 165 in the “no” pool, meaning it would take a $165 bet to make $100 profit if the colt were to lose. The limits on yes-no wagers ranges from $500 to $2,000.

Caesars at William Hill Nevada and the Westgate Superbook were expected to follow suit and open their own Preakness markets, too.

Following were the opening odds Monday afternoon at Circa compared with the pari-mutuel morning line provided by the Maryland Jockey Club. Prices are expressed as profits for winning $100 bets.