Since World War II, just 23 of 65 Kentucky Derby winners have run back and won the Preakness Stakes including five Triple Crown winners. That leaves 42 Derby winners that did not go on to win the Preakness, and while some of them simply didn’t run, there are those that did and failed. Here is a look at the top-five Preakness favorites that didn’t win.
5. Swale (1984)
The easy sports betting favorite to win after crushing the field in the Kentucky Derby only two weeks prior, Swale had eight wins in 12 starts and had never finished out of the money before placing seventh in the Preakness Stakes.
4. Ferdinand (1986)
Ferdinand was a surprise pick to win the Derby at 17-to-1 odds, but after a strong showing under legendary jockey Willie Shoemaker it was expected to compete for another win. The Derby favorite Snow Chief earned its revenge though, beating out Ferdinand in the Preakness Stakes.
3. Foolish Pleasure (1975)
After dominating two prep races and then winning the Kentucky Derby with ease, there was little doubt about who the favorite would be for the 1975 Preakness Stakes. However, after appearing to rally past Master Derby approaching the final stretch, Master Derby came storming back late and stole the per head upset.
2. Genuine Risk (1980)
The second filly to win the Kentucky Derby, Genuine Risk almost doubled up with a win at the Preakness but was held off down the final stretch by Codex for a second place finish, even though the horse’s owners felt a foul had occurred.
1. Riva Ridge (1972)
Riva Ridge, another homebred for Christopher Chenery’s Meadow Stable, was the sportsbook favorite to win the Preakness after claiming the Derby the year before Secretariat’s magical run out of the same stable. However, Riva Ridge struggled at the Preakness, losing a photo third in the mud before going on to win the Belmont Stakes in what would have been a Triple Crown season.
