Props put LV’s books at front of pack

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 9:57 a.m.

Las Vegas betting shops offer some wagering opportunities on the Preakness that you just won't find at Old Hilltop.

Not only can you bet on Smarty Jones to win Saturday's big race, but you can also bet that he won't win it.

A proposition at Station Casinos has the line at minus 175 that Smarty will not win the Preakness, and plus 145 that he will.

Micah Roberts, sports book director at Palace Station, said he has taken more bets on the "Yes, he will win" side -- but not enough to adjust the odds, which have remained steady.

"A lot of people have a strong rooting interest in this horse, and he's obviously the class of the field," Roberts said.

Another prop, at the Caesars Palace properties, allows bettors to wager on whether Smarty Jones, the Kentucky Derby champ, will win the final two legs of the Triple Crown.

The current price on the "No" is minus 500 while the "Yes" stands at plus 375.

Oddsmaker John Avello of Bally's and Paris also has posted several head-to-head matchups for the Preakness that are available at the Caesars properties. Among them:

Avello set an over/under on the time of the race as well: 1 minute, 55.5 seconds. Bettors must lay 115 to win 100 on either the over or the under.

Lauren Stich, the bloodstock and pedigree specialist for the Daily Racing Form, said she will be looking to go against Smarty Jones in the Preakness. Smarty opened an 8-5 favorite after Wednesday's post position draw.

"He's the best 3-year-old so far, but I'm not ready to coronate him," Stich said.

As long as the track is fast Saturday, Stich said she thinks two newcomers -- Eddington and Rock Hard Ten -- are likely candidates to knock off the Derby winner.

"I think those two have the greatest potential to beat Smarty Jones," Stich said. "They have the pedigree, and they'll be fresh. They were originally supposed to go in the Derby, but I think it's a blessing in disguise that they missed it, because of the grind, and having to come right back in two weeks."

A wet track, however, would favor Smarty Jones and Lion Heart, as it did in the Derby, Stich said.

Of course, gamblers in Las Vegas can also bet the Preakness the old-fashioned way. Pari-mutuel wagering on the race is available at local race books starting today.

Stich said she thinks the odds on Smarty Jones could be as low as even money by post time -- meaning the plus 145 at Station properties represents a solid value.

But Roberts, of Palace Station, expects the odds to drift as high as 2-1.

"It opened 8-5, and this is such a hugely bet event that it will be hard to keep it under 2-1," Roberts said. "That would be my guess."