War Emblem winner of the 2002 Preakness Stakes with Victor Espinoza up

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Dateline: 05/18/02

When the gate opened for the 127th Preakness, all the early speed that was expected to surge to the front did not materialize. 51-1 longshot Menacing Dennis was sent to the lead by Mario Pino, with 2.80-1 favorite War Emblem pressing him just to his inside for the first six furlongs. The pair set brisk initial fractions of 22.87, 46.10, and 1:10.60 before Menacing Dennis tired and gave way. At the top of the stretch, local hero Magic Weisner made his move to the front having raced as far back as 11th early on, and would close gamely to finish second just beaten 3/4 of a length. 7.4-1 choice Proud Citizen lost ground on both turns going five wide, made a late run to the outside in mid stretch but could not catch the winner, finishing 3/4 lengths back of Magic Weisner. The final time for the 1 3/16 miles over a drying-out track labelled fast was 1:56.36.

Despite the cold, damp weather the on track crowd was the second largest ever with 101,138 in attendance. A new record was set for betting handle of $42,301,515 on the Preakness alone, up 19% from last year.

Pgm  Horse              Jockey            Win   Place  Show
 8   War Emblem         Espinoza         7.60    6.00  4.40
 2   Magic Weisner      Migliore                33.00 14.00
12   Proud Citizen      Smith                          5.00

War Emblem wins by 3/4 of a length.

Winning Time:  1:56.36

$2 Exacta 8-2             327.00
$2 Trifecta 8-2-12      2,311.00
$1 Superfecta 8-2-12-6  6,701.50

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