Preakness 2017 Experts' Predictions, Betting Odds: Always Dreaming, Classic Empire Or A Longshot?

The 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes gets underway on Saturday night at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The race is expected to come down to two thoroughbreds: Always Dreaming and Classic Empire.

Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming remains the favorite. The betting favorite has won the Preakness in 13 of the last 32 editions of the race, while the second betting choice has won the race nine times.

Always Dreaming, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, saw his odds shift from 4/5 to 5/6, according to betting site Bovada. Pletcher has never won the Preakness.

Classic Empire, trained by Mark Casse, has 3/1 odds. Some think with a smaller field that Classic Empire has a strong chance to win, especially if he gets a good start.

Rounding out the 10-horse race is Looking At Lee (11/1), Cloud Computing (12/1), Gunnevera (16/1), Conquest Mo Money (18/1), Hence (20/1), Multiplier (25/1), Term of Art (40/1), Senior Investment (40/1).

The 1 3/16 mile-race has a $1.5 million guaranteed purse.

Which horse will come out on top? According to experts, this is not a year for the longshot.

Brian Zipse, Horse Racing Nation: Classic Empire

Joe Drape, New York Times: Classic Empire

Melissa Hoppert, New York Times: Classic Empire

Victor Mather, New York Times: Always Dreaming

Neil Greenberg, Washington Post: Always Dreaming

Jason Frakes, Courier-Journal: Classic Empire

Nicolle Neulist, ChicagoNow: Conquest Mo Money

Paul Mazu, ChicagoNow: Always Dreaming

IBT Prediction: This is Always Dreaming's race to lose. It wouldn't be shocking if Classic Empire makes it close, but Always Dreaming should prevail. Don't jump to conclusions and assume Always Dreaming is the next American Pharoah.