Preakness 2017 post positions: Always Dreaming and Classic Empire will duel in the middle

The two favorites of the Kentucky Derby will open the race next to each other at Pimlico Saturday.

Always Dreaming and Classic Empire will start the 2017 Preakness Stakes next to each other in the middle of the Pimlico gates, as the post position was drawn and announced on Wednesday afternoon in Maryland. Always Dreaming will break from Gate 4 and Classic Empire will start from Gate 5 after they go to the post at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The two were favorites entering Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs nearly two weeks ago, but Always Dreaming became the big betting favorite and did not let his supporters down, winning by 2-3/4 lengths over fellow Preakness contender Lookin At Lee. Always Dreaming earned 4/5 odds.

Classic Empire, who was bumped early in the Kentucky Derby and had to struggle his way through the pack to finish fourth, has been assigned 3/1 odds. The other horse to really keep an eye on during the Preakness is Conquest Mo Money, who will start from the outside gate. With early speed he should be able to set the pace, but neither of the favorites will be too concerned.

Five of the 10 entrants are holdovers from the Kentucky Derby, while five did not run at Churchill Downs. Lookin at Lee, at 10/1, will start from the ninth gate. Cloud Computing, a newcomer, will start in the second position. Multiplier (30/1) drew the rail.