The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the Triple Crown and held every year two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. While it does not have as much prestige as the Derby, with a purse of $1 million guaranteed it is still a juicy prize for any horseman. Like the Derby, only 3-year-old thoroughbreds can run in the Preakness, so each only has one chance at it in his lifetime.
Rachel Alexandra wins the 2009 Preakness Stakes
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra beat the boys in the 2009 Preakness Stakes, leading most of the way. Kentucky Derby winner Mind That Bird once again closed late but missed catching her by a length, finishing second. Derby runner-up Musket Man was another half length back in third. Rain threatened much of the week, but the track was fast and the weather stayed clear all day until the Preakness when a few drops sprinkled but it never really rained. Preakness Undercard Results - there were 7 more stakes on the card including the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Parading Payton d'Oro wins the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes Black-Eyed Susan undercard stakes - there were 5 more stakes on the card including the Miss Preakness (G3) won by Heart Ashley
2009 Preakness Entries
© Terence Dulay
Only 14 horses can start in the Preakness, but usually this isn't a problem. The Kentucky Derby winner is usually the favorite, or at least gets the majority of the attention. Several horses from the Derby will go on to the Preakness most years, but there are always a few new ones added.
Preakness Entries and Post Positions - with odds and profiles Thursday Preakness Photos Wednesday Preakness Photos Free past performances - from DRF Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2009 - trying to pick a winner using angles, statistical trends, and profiling Preakness Entry Rules - how they determine the order of preference if more than 14 horses enter
The Triple Crown Trail
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Every spring the 3-year-old thoroughbreds start their campaigns hoping to make it to one of the Triple Crown races. Racing fans watch and wonder which prep race will yield the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont winner as the horses compete on the Triple Crown trail at race tracks from coast-to-coast. Just remember, for the Preakness the Kentucky Derby is a critical prep and very few win the race who didn't run in the Derby no matter where they finished in it.
2009 Triple Crown Trail - a schedule of all the prep races with results Early Triple Crown nominations - 401 horses at $600 each. Late Triple Crown Nominations - 11 more horses at $6000 each. Horses not nominated after this have to pay a $100,000 supplement.
Handicapping
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
The Preakness is not given quite as much scrutiny, since there are usually some standouts by then. Many people want to favor front running speed horses based on the theory that the turns are sharper at Pimlico and the fact the race is shorter. The Preakness is 1 3/16 miles which is still longer than most races, and the turns have been measured and that is just a myth. Another popular angle is bet the local horse for 2nd or 3rd, which often does work.
Preakness contender past performances - free from DRF Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2009 - trying to pick a winner using angles and statistical trends Who do you think will win the Preakness? Handicapping the Preakness Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2009 by Jim Mazur
Preakness History
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
The Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873 and will have its 134th running this year. Many of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time have won the Preakness and it is one of the big races all horsemen dream of winning. Find out more about the rich history of the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Past Preakness Winners Fillies in the Preakness Stakes Past Preakness articles and photos (1998 - 2008) Preakness Stakes History The History of Pimlico
Traditions
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
The Preakness is not quite as steeped in tradition as the Derby, but still with such a long history it has it's own mystique. The traditional flower of the Preakness is the Black-Eyed Susan, hence their black and yellow color scheme, and the $1 million Woodlawn Vase is the permanent trophy of the race. Here is a look at some of the more well known Preakness traditions.
2009 Alibi Breakfast The Woodlawn Vase The Woodlawn The Black-Eyed Susan Winner's Blanket The Winner's Circle Painting the Weather Vane The Alibi Breakfast The Traditional Drink - the Black-Eyed Susan
Preakness 101
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
An overview of the Preakness from history to handicapping to how to attend. Perfect for beginners who want to start their education in all things Preakness.
Preakness official site Preakness 101 Baltimore Weather Forecasts Preakness Security Preakness Links
