The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the Preakness attracts top-class thoroughbreds from around the globe, all vying for the coveted title and a chance to make history. As the middle leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness is a crucial step towards achieving racing immortality, and the horses that participate in this esteemed event are truly the crème de la crème of the equine world.
The Importance of Knowing the Preakness Horses
With the Preakness Stakes being one of the most highly anticipated events in horse racing, it’s essential to know the horses that are competing. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and racing styles of each contender can provide valuable insights for racing enthusiasts, bettors, and owners alike. By familiarizing oneself with the horses in the Preakness, one can make more informed decisions when it comes to placing wagers, selecting a favorite, or simply enjoying the thrill of the race.
A Look into the Preakness Contenders
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of the Preakness horses, exploring their backgrounds, achievements, and prospects for success in the big race. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, we’ll examine the top contenders vying for the Preakness title, providing an in-depth look at their racing histories, trainers, and jockeys. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or just starting to learn about the sport, this guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of the horses that make the Preakness Stakes so special.
The Horses of the Preakness: A Guide to the Contenders
The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the Preakness attracts the best three-year-old Thoroughbreds from around the globe. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of the Preakness horses, exploring their backgrounds, racing styles, and chances of winning.
The History of the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history dating back to 1873, when it was first run at Pimlico Race Course. The race was named after the colt Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in 1870. The Preakness Stakes has been run every year since its inception, with the exception of 1891-1893, when it was discontinued due to financial difficulties.
The Road to the Preakness
The road to the Preakness is a long and arduous one, with horses competing in various prep races around the country. The most notable prep races include the Kentucky Derby, the Wood Memorial, the Blue Grass Stakes, and the Arkansas Derby. These races provide a platform for horses to earn points and qualify for the Preakness.
The Contenders
This year’s Preakness field is filled with talented horses, each with their own unique story and racing style. Here are some of the top contenders: (See Also: Can Horses Eat Chicken)
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | Mark Casse | Gary Barber |
| Improbable | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing |
| Owendale | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | R3 Racing and Calhoun Racing |
| Signalman | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenny McPeek | Tommy Town Thoroughbreds |
| Alwaysmining | Daniel Centeno | Kelly Rubley |
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 for the Preakness. This colt has been on a tear, winning four of his last five starts, including the Risen Star Stakes and the LeComte Stakes. War of Will’s victory in the Kentucky Derby was impressive, as he navigated a crowded field and showed his determination and grit.
Improbable: The Baffert Trainee
Improbable, trained by Bob Baffert, is another top contender for the Preakness. This colt has been consistent, finishing in the top three in all five of his starts. Improbable’s most impressive performance came in the Arkansas Derby, where he finished second to Omaha Beach. Baffert is a master trainer, and Improbable is one of his top horses.
Owendale: The Dark Horse
Owendale, trained by Brad Cox, is a dark horse in the Preakness field. This colt has been flying under the radar, but his performance in the Lexington Stakes was impressive, where he finished second to Anothertwistafate. Owendale’s racing style is unique, as he likes to come from off the pace, making him a threat in the Preakness.
Signalman: The Veteran
Signalman, trained by Kenny McPeek, is a veteran of the racing scene, with seven starts under his belt. This colt has been consistent, finishing in the top three in five of his starts. Signalman’s most impressive performance came in the Breeders’ Futurity, where he finished second to Code of Honor.
Alwaysmining: The Local Favorite
Alwaysmining, trained by Kelly Rubley, is a local favorite, having won six consecutive races at Laurel Park. This colt has been dominant, winning by an average of 4 1/2 lengths in his last five starts. Alwaysmining’s racing style is aggressive, as he likes to take the lead early and hold on for dear life.
Racing Styles and Strategies
Each horse has its own unique racing style and strategy, which will play a crucial role in the Preakness. War of Will and Improbable are likely to be near the front of the pack, while Owendale and Signalman will likely come from off the pace. Alwaysmining will likely take the lead early and try to hold on.
Preakness Predictions
Predicting the outcome of the Preakness is never easy, but based on their past performances and racing styles, here are our predictions:
- War of Will: 2-1
- Improbable: 3-1
- Owendale: 5-1
- Signalman: 6-1
- Alwaysmining: 8-1
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is a thrilling event that showcases the best of the best in the world of horse racing. This year’s field is filled with talented horses, each with their own unique story and racing style. War of Will, Improbable, Owendale, Signalman, and Alwaysmining are the top contenders, but anything can happen in the Preakness. Will War of Will continue his winning streak, or will one of the other horses pull off an upset? Tune in to find out.
Recap
In this article, we explored the world of the Preakness horses, delving into their backgrounds, racing styles, and chances of winning. We discussed the history of the Preakness, the road to the Preakness, and the top contenders. We also analyzed their racing styles and strategies, and made our predictions for the outcome of the race.
The Preakness Stakes is a true test of endurance, speed, and determination, and we can’t wait to see which horse will emerge victorious.
Frequently Asked Questions: Who Are The Horses In The Preakness
What is the Preakness Stakes and how does it relate to the horses?
The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The horses that participate in the Preakness Stakes are typically the top finishers from the Kentucky Derby, as well as other top-ranked three-year-olds.
How are the horses selected to run in the Preakness Stakes?
The horses that run in the Preakness Stakes are selected based on their performance in previous races, including the Kentucky Derby. The top finishers from the Kentucky Derby are typically invited to run in the Preakness, and other horses may be selected based on their performance in other stakes races or their overall record.
What is the significance of the Preakness Stakes for the horses?
The Preakness Stakes is a critical race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, as it is one of the most prestigious races in the United States and a key step towards winning the Triple Crown. A win in the Preakness can significantly enhance a horse’s reputation, value, and breeding prospects, and can also set them up for a potential Triple Crown sweep.
How many horses typically run in the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes typically features a field of 8-14 horses, although the exact number can vary from year to year. The race is limited to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and the field is selected based on the horses’ performance and qualifications.
Can I bet on the horses in the Preakness Stakes?
Yes, betting on the horses in the Preakness Stakes is a popular activity for many racing fans. You can place bets on the race through various online wagering platforms, at the track, or through a local off-track betting (OTB) facility. There are various types of bets you can place, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and more.