Preakness Stakes day is the biggest card of racing in Maryland, with 13 races including several stakes events other than the Preakness itself. The "small" crowd of 77,850 enjoyed ideal racing weather until just before the main event.
Immediately before the Preakness, eleven older horses went 1 1/8 miles on the turf in the $150,000 Dixie Stakes (G2), with Ben Ali winner Parading the 2-1 favorite over 4-1 Strike A Deal and 5-1 Kiss The Kid.
Lauro went to the front to set an uncontested pace of 24.64, 48.75, and 1:12.42, before tiring at the top of the lane. Parading, who stalked the pace in fourth, moved up to take over the lead through 1 mile in 1:36.34. Just as Well, who was ninth early, put in a strong late rally but Parading held him off in the final strides to get the 1/2 length victory in 1:48.28 over the firm course. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Wesley third.
Full Results Chart
Preakness Stakes Results - Rachel Alexandra won
Black-Eyed Susan Results - Payton d'Oro won
Black-Eyed Susan Undercard - there were 5 more stakes on the card including the Miss Preakness (G3)
