The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated horse racing events in the world. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, this Grade I stakes race attracts the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the globe. As the middle leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is a crucial step towards the coveted title, and the excitement surrounding the event is palpable.
Understanding the Field of Contenders
The Preakness Stakes typically features a talented and competitive field of horses, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. With a maximum of 14 starters, the race is often a closely contested and thrilling affair, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. As horse racing enthusiasts and bettors alike eagerly await the event, one of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is: what horses are running in the Preakness?
A Glimpse into the Contenders
In this article, we will delve into the list of horses running in the Preakness Stakes, providing an overview of each contender’s credentials, racing history, and chances of success. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming stars, we will examine the strengths and weaknesses of each horse, helping you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, this guide is your ultimate resource for understanding 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 of Thoroughbred Racing, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, this esteemed event attracts top-caliber horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of horse racing and explore the horses running in the Preakness, including their backgrounds, trainers, and past performances.
The Road to the Preakness
To qualify for the Preakness, horses typically need to have a strong performance in the Kentucky Derby or other prominent races leading up to the event. The top four finishers in the Kentucky Derby receive automatic berths in the Preakness, while other horses can earn their spot through a points system or by receiving an invitation from the Maryland Jockey Club.
The Contenders: Horses Running in the Preakness
Here’s a list of the horses running in the Preakness, along with their trainers, jockeys, and past performances: (See Also: Band Of Horses The Funeral Meaning)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Past Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic | Bob Baffert | John Velazquez | Won the Haskell Invitational, 2nd in the Kentucky Derby |
| Art Collector | Thomas Drury | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Won the Blue Grass Stakes, 2nd in the Ellis Park Juvenile |
| Excession | Steve Asmussen | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Won the Risen Star Stakes, 3rd in the Louisiana Derby |
| Jazz’s Song | Rudy Rodriguez | Javier Castellano | Won the Withers Stakes, 2nd in the Wood Memorial |
| Mr. Big News | W. Bret Calhoun | Gabriel Saez | Won the Oaklawn Stakes, 3rd in the Arkansas Derby |
| Ny Traffic | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Paco Lopez | 2nd in the Haskell Invitational, 3rd in the Belmont Stakes |
| Pneumatic | Steve Asmussen | Joe Bravo | Won the Pegasus Stakes, 2nd in the Matt Winn Stakes |
| Rushie | Michael McCarthy | Javier Castellano | Won the Pat Day Mile, 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby |
| Swiss Skydiver | Kenny McPeek | Robby Albarado | Won the Gulfstream Park Oaks, 2nd in the Fantasy Stakes |
Trainer Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the trainers behind these talented horses:
- Bob Baffert: A Hall of Fame trainer with a record seven Preakness wins, including with American Pharoah in 2015. Baffert is known for his ability to prepare horses for big races.
- Thomas Drury: A relatively new trainer on the scene, Drury has quickly made a name for himself with Art Collector’s impressive performances. He’s looking to make a statement in his first Preakness start.
- Steve Asmussen: A two-time Eclipse Award winner, Asmussen has trained multiple Preakness contenders, including Excession and Pneumatic. He’s seeking his first Preakness win.
- Rudy Rodriguez: A rising star in the training ranks, Rodriguez has guided Jazz’s Song to several impressive victories. He’s looking to make a splash in his Preakness debut.
- W. Bret Calhoun: A seasoned trainer with multiple graded stakes wins, Calhoun is seeking his first Preakness victory with Mr. Big News.
- Saffie Joseph Jr.: A young trainer making a name for himself, Joseph has guided Ny Traffic to several strong performances. He’s looking to make a statement in his first Preakness start.
- Michael McCarthy: A veteran trainer with multiple graded stakes wins, McCarthy is seeking his first Preakness victory with Rushie.
- Kenny McPeek: A seasoned trainer with multiple graded stakes wins, McPeek is seeking his first Preakness victory with Swiss Skydiver.
Jockey Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the jockeys riding these talented horses:
- John Velazquez: A Hall of Fame jockey with over 6,000 wins, Velazquez has ridden in multiple Preakness Stakes, including a win with Rachel Alexandra in 2009.
- Brian Hernandez Jr.: A seasoned jockey with multiple graded stakes wins, Hernandez has ridden Art Collector to several impressive victories.
- Ricardo Santana Jr.: A rising star in the jockey ranks, Santana has ridden Excession to several strong performances.
- Javier Castellano: A four-time Eclipse Award winner, Castellano has ridden in multiple Preakness Stakes, including a win with Cloud Computing in 2017.
- Gabriel Saez: A veteran jockey with multiple graded stakes wins, Saez has ridden Mr. Big News to several impressive performances.
- Paco Lopez: A seasoned jockey with multiple graded stakes wins, Lopez has ridden Ny Traffic to several strong performances.
- Joe Bravo: A veteran jockey with multiple graded stakes wins, Bravo has ridden Pneumatic to several impressive victories.
- Robby Albarado: A seasoned jockey with multiple graded stakes wins, Albarado has ridden Swiss Skydiver to several strong performances.
Preakness Stakes History
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history, dating back to 1873. Here are some interesting facts about the race:
- The Preakness Stakes is the second-oldest continuously run stakes race in the United States, behind only the Belmont Stakes.
- The race is named after the colt Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in 1873.
- The Preakness Stakes has been run at Pimlico Race Course since its inception, making it one of the most historic and iconic tracks in the world.
- The race is known for its challenging 1 3/16-mile distance, which often separates the contenders from the pretenders.
- The Preakness Stakes has been won by some of the greatest horses in racing history, including Secretariat, Affirmed, and American Pharoah.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is a premier horse racing event that attracts the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. This year’s field is stacked with talented contenders, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. As we approach the big day, fans and handicappers alike will be closely watching these horses, analyzing their past performances, and making their picks. Will one of these horses emerge victorious and take the next step towards Triple Crown glory? Only time will tell.
Recap:
- The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
- The race is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
- This year’s field includes nine talented horses, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
- The trainers and jockeys behind these horses are some of the best in the business, with multiple graded stakes wins and Eclipse Awards between them.
- The Preakness Stakes has a rich history, dating back to 1873, and is known for its challenging 1 3/16-mile distance.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the horses running in the Preakness Stakes. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, we wish you the best of luck in making your picks and enjoying the race!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Horses Running in the Preakness
How many horses typically run in the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes typically features a field of 14 horses, although the number can vary from year to year. The race is limited to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and the horses that qualify are usually the top finishers from the Kentucky Derby and other top stakes races.
How are the horses selected to run in the Preakness?
The horses that run in the Preakness Stakes are selected based on their performance in previous races, including the Kentucky Derby. The top four finishers from the Kentucky Derby receive automatic berths in the Preakness, and the remaining spots are filled by horses that have earned the most points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings.
What is the significance of the Preakness Stakes in the Triple Crown?
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. A horse must win all three races to capture the Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious achievements in horse racing.
How can I find out which horses are running in the Preakness?
The entries for the Preakness Stakes are typically announced on the Wednesday before the race, and the post positions are drawn at a ceremony later that day. You can find the list of entries and post positions on the official Preakness Stakes website, as well as on horse racing websites and social media channels.
Can I bet on the horses running in the Preakness?
Yes, you can bet on the horses running in the Preakness Stakes through various online wagering platforms, at racetracks, and at off-track betting locations. You can place a variety of bets, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and more. Be sure to do your research and set a budget before placing any bets.