Preakness Stakes day is the biggest card of racing in Maryland, with 13 races including several stakes events other than the Preakness itself. The 107,398 paying fans enjoyed ideal racing weather all day: sunny skies, light breeze, temperature in the low 80's, and a fast main track and good turf course despite rains most of the week.
The $150,000 Jagermeister Dixie Stakes featured a field of 7 older horses going 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Paddy O'Prado, unraced since finishing 5th in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) was sent off as the 3-5 favorite over 9-2 Slew's Answer, winner of the Turf Classic at Tampa Bay last out, and 6-1 Baryshnikov, winner of the Tejano Run at Turfway followed by an allowance at Keeneland.
Baryshnikov went to the lead and he set early fractions of 24.76, 49.07, and 1:14.21 over the good course while being stalked by Pocket Patch. Baryshnikov opened up a 3 length lead in mid-stretch through 1 mile in 1:40.06, but Paddy O'Prado, 6th early, closed fast to pass the pacesetter at the 1/16 pole to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:53.56. It was another 2 lengths back to Bim Bam third.
Full Results Chart
Preakness Stakes Results - Shackleford won
Black-Eyed Susan Results - Royal Delta won
