ESPN Horse Racing

Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra was the heavy favorite at odds of 3-2 at the close of Friday's early betting for Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Kentucky Derby upsetter Mine That Bird was the co-second choice at 7-1 along with Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile.

Friesan Fire, 18th in the Derby for trainer Larry Jones, came next in the early wagering at 8-1, and Preakness new shooter Big Drama was 9-1.

In will-pays for the doubles linking the Preakness with Friday's Black-Eyed Susan, won by Payton d'Oro ($7.20), the combination with Rachel Alexandra offered the lowest possible payout at $16.80 for a $2 bet, while doubles to Mine That Bird would return $103.40.

PREAKNESS EARLY BETTING

1. Big Drama - 9-1

2. Mine That Bird - 7-1

3. Musket Man - 18-1

4. Luv Gov - 25-1

5. Friesan Fire - 8-1

6. Terrain - 25-1

7. Papa Clem - 14-1

8. General Quarters - 17-1

9. Pioneerof the Nile - 7-1

10. Flying Private - 25-1

11. Take the Points - 14-1

12. Tone It Down - 19-1

13. Rachel Alexandra - 3-2

BLACK-EYED SUSAN/PREAKNESS DOUBLE WILL-PAYS
Payton d'Oro (2) with:

1. Big Drama - $73.40

2. Mine That Bird - $103.40

3. Musket Man - $97.60

4. Luv Gov - $740.20

5. Friesan Fire - $56.80

6. Terrain - $316.40

7. Papa Clem - $116.80

8. General Quarters - $224.60

9. Pioneerof the Nile - $65.60

10. Flying Private - $820.60

11. Take the Points - $258.40

12. Tone it Down - $924.60

13. Rachel Alexandra - $16.80

Pool: $590,288