Rain was falling at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, just hours before Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan goes for back-to-back Triple Crown victories. The weather could play a significant role, as showers are expected to continue throughout the afternoon, potentially creating a muddy track.
Historic Moment in the Making
If Mystik Dan wins the Preakness, he would be the first horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness since Justify in 2018. This victory would set up a rare and historic opportunity for a Triple Crown win at the Belmont Stakes next month.
Key Contenders in the Preakness
Mystik Dan will face tough competition from several notable challengers:
- Imagination, trained by Bob Baffert
- Catching Freedom, trained by Brad Cox
- Tuscan Gold, trained by Chad Brown
Originally, Baffert was set to enter two horses in the race, but the morning line favorite, Muth, was scratched earlier in the week due to a fever. Despite this, the competition remains fierce.
Post Time and Viewing Information
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. ET. Coverage begins on NBC at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the race can also be streamed on Peacock.
Odds and Predictions
As of Saturday morning, Mystik Dan was the 3-1 favorite to win. Catching Freedom and Tuscan Gold each had odds of 7-2, while Imagination was at 9-2.
Trainer Insights
Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, acknowledges the challenge ahead. “Catching Freedom trained really well going into the Derby,” McPeek said. “He’s a very nice horse. And Bob, he wouldn’t bring a horse without it being a good horse, and Chad’s also got a horse coming out of the Louisiana Derby. Yeah, it’s not a given.”
McPeek decided to enter Mystik Dan in the Preakness despite the colt’s exhausting win by a nose in the Kentucky Derby. This decision reflects a trend, as more trainers are hesitant to do the Derby-Preakness double, raising questions about the middle jewel’s prestige. Additionally, you can also read about- Kentucky Derby 2024.
Future of Pimlico Race Course
This year marks the final Preakness at the current Pimlico Race Course, with demolition scheduled to begin early next year. The 150th running in 2025 will still take place at the track during construction. The event will then move to Laurel Park in 2026 before returning to a rebuilt Pimlico in 2027.
Looking Ahead to the Belmont Stakes
The final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, will take place on June 8. Due to renovations at Belmont Park in New York City, the race will be held at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York for the first time. Construction at Belmont Park is expected to continue into 2025, potentially making Saratoga the venue for the Belmont Stakes for two consecutive years.
Currently, racing in New York is being held at Aqueduct in Queens, which hosted the Triple Crown finale from 1963-67, the last time Belmont Park was renovated.
The Information is Collected from NBC New York and Yahoo Sports.
