Derby winner Nyquist draws No. 3 post as Preakness favorite

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

BALTIMORE (AP) Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist will start from the No. 3 gate Saturday in the Preakness as the overwhelming favorite in the 11-horse field.

Unbeaten in eight races, Nyquist was installed the 3-5 morning-line choice at Wednesday's draw.

The selection was justified, according to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who will saddle new shooter Collected.

Baffert says of Nyquist: ''I'd probably be surprised if he didn't win. He's going to be tough to beat.''

Starting from the 13th post position in the Derby, Nyquist won the 20-horse race by 1 1/4 lengths over Exaggerator. Nyquist can expect far less traffic against a smaller field at the Preakness, which covers 1 3/16th miles at Pimlico Race Course.

Nyquist trainer Doug O'Neill enters the Preakness seeking to keep alive his hopes of winning the Triple Crown. A year ago, American Pharoah became the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed in 1978.