What Horses Are Running In The Preakness?

The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of horse racing. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, this prestigious race attracts the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the globe. As the middle leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness is a crucial step towards achieving racing immortality, and horse racing enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the contenders.

The Road to the Preakness

The Preakness Stakes typically features a field of 14 horses, each with its own unique story and racing style. The contenders are selected based on their performance in previous races, including the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown. The horses that participate in the Preakness are the crème de la crème of the racing world, and their owners, trainers, and jockeys have invested countless hours of training and preparation to reach this pinnacle of achievement.

Who’s Running in the Preakness?

In this article, we’ll delve into the list of horses running in the Preakness Stakes, exploring their backgrounds, racing histories, and chances of winning. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming stars, we’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each contender, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the horses vying for the coveted Woodlawn Vase. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, this article will give you the inside scoop on the horses running in the Preakness.

The Preakness Stakes: A Prestigious Horse Racing Event

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, a prestigious horse racing event that takes place annually in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is considered one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. In this article, we will take a closer look at the horses running in the Preakness Stakes, including their past performances, odds, and chances of winning.

The Contenders: A Look at the Horses Running in the Preakness

The Preakness Stakes typically attracts a field of around 10-12 horses, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the top contenders running in the Preakness Stakes:

These horses have been training and preparing for months, and each has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders:

War of Will: The Kentucky Derby Winner

War of Will, trained by Mark Casse, is the Kentucky Derby winner and one of the top contenders in the Preakness Stakes. This horse has been impressive in his past performances, winning the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby before taking home the top prize in the Kentucky Derby. War of Will is known for his speed and endurance, and his jockey, Tyler Gaffalione, has been impressed with his training leading up to the Preakness. (See Also: Why Do Horses Chew Wood)

Improbable: The Bob Baffert Trainee

Improbable, trained by Bob Baffert, is another top contender in the Preakness Stakes. This horse has been impressive in his past performances, winning the Los Alamitos Futurity and the Arkansas Derby. Improbable is known for his speed and agility, and his jockey, Mike Smith, has been impressed with his training leading up to the Preakness.

Owendale: The Dark Horse

Owendale, trained by Brad Cox, is a dark horse in the Preakness Stakes. This horse has been impressive in his past performances, winning the Lexington Stakes and finishing second in the Blue Grass Stakes. Owendale is known for his endurance and tactical speed, and his jockey, Florent Geroux, has been impressed with his training leading up to the Preakness.

Win Win Win: The Long Shot

Win Win Win, trained by Michael Trombetta, is a long shot in the Preakness Stakes. This horse has been impressive in his past performances, winning the Pasco Stakes and finishing second in the Tampa Bay Derby. Win Win Win is known for his speed and agility, and his jockey, Julian Pimentel, has been impressed with his training leading up to the Preakness.

The Preakness Stakes: A History of Excitement and Drama

The Preakness Stakes has a rich history of excitement and drama, with many memorable moments over the years. From the thrilling finishes to the heart-stopping upsets, the Preakness Stakes has it all. Here are some of the most memorable moments in Preakness Stakes history:

• 1973: Secretariat’s Dominant Performance – Secretariat, trained by Lucien Laurin, dominated the Preakness Stakes, winning by 2 1/2 lengths in a track-record time of 1:53 2/5.
• 1989: Sunday Silence’s Upset Victory – Sunday Silence, trained by Charlie Whittingham, pulled off a stunning upset in the Preakness Stakes, defeating favorite Easy Goer by a nose.
• 2009: Rachel Alexandra’s Historic Win – Rachel Alexandra, trained by Steve Asmussen, became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years, defeating the boys in a thrilling finish.
• 2015: American Pharoah’s Triple Crown Bid – American Pharoah, trained by Bob Baffert, won the Preakness Stakes en route to becoming the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years.

The Road to the Preakness: A Look at the Prep Races

The road to the Preakness Stakes is a long and arduous one, with many prep races leading up to the big event. Here are some of the key prep races that have produced Preakness Stakes winners in the past:

• Kentucky Derby – The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious prep race for the Preakness Stakes, with many winners going on to win the Preakness.
• Wood Memorial Stakes – The Wood Memorial Stakes is a key prep race for the Preakness Stakes, with winners such as Fusaichi Pegasus and Empire Maker going on to win the Preakness.
• Blue Grass Stakes – The Blue Grass Stakes is another key prep race for the Preakness Stakes, with winners such as Street Sense and Carpe Diem going on to win the Preakness.
• Arkansas Derby – The Arkansas Derby is a key prep race for the Preakness Stakes, with winners such as Smarty Jones and American Pharoah going on to win the Preakness.

Conclusion

The Preakness Stakes is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. With a rich history of excitement and drama, the Preakness Stakes is a must-watch for horse racing fans around the world. This year’s field is stacked with talented horses, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Will War of Will continue his winning streak, or will Improbable or Owendale pull off an upset? One thing is for sure – the Preakness Stakes is going to be an exciting and thrilling event that you won’t want to miss.

Recap of the Key Points:

• The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown.
• The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
• The Preakness Stakes typically attracts a field of around 10-12 horses.
• War of Will, Improbable, and Owendale are some of the top contenders in the Preakness Stakes.
• The Preakness Stakes has a rich history of excitement and drama.
• The road to the Preakness Stakes is a long and arduous one, with many prep races leading up to the big event.

With the Preakness Stakes just around the corner, horse racing fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the big event. Will you be watching?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Preakness Stakes

When is the Preakness Stakes usually held?

The Preakness Stakes is typically held on the third Saturday in May every year, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.

How many horses can run in the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes has a maximum field of 14 horses. However, the actual number of runners may be fewer if some horses are scratched or withdrawn before the race.

How do I find out which horses are running in the Preakness Stakes?

You can find the list of horses running in the Preakness Stakes on the official Preakness Stakes website, as well as on various horse racing websites and news outlets. The entries are usually announced a few days before the race.

Can I bet on the Preakness Stakes?

Yes, you can bet on the Preakness Stakes at various online sportsbooks, racetracks, and off-track betting facilities. You can also place bets through mobile apps and online platforms that offer horse racing wagering.

How long does the Preakness Stakes race take to complete?

The Preakness Stakes is a 1 3/16-mile race, and the running time is usually around 1 minute and 55 seconds to 2 minutes and 5 seconds, depending on the pace of the race.