The Triple Crown. The 149th Preakness Stakes Many different sports worldwide have their version of the Triple Crown. So what makes the Triple Crown of horse racing that much more spectacular? Simply put, the endurance of the horses and their jockeys makes it all worthwhile.
That’s not to put down what any other athletes do or go on to accomplish. Every athlete is great within their own right and merit. To take on the task of heading into the second jewel of the horse racing Triple Crown is a feat in and of itself. What lies in store for the 14 horses set to run in the 149th Preakness Stakes?
Leg Two of the Triple Crown: The Preakness Stakes
On May 18, 2024, the second leg of the Triple Crown race will commence at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland. This year will mark the 149th running for the garland of Black Eyed Susans. The second leg is a mile and three-sixteenths long, making it the shortest race.
It boasts an annual attendance of anywhere from 135,000 to 140,000 people. Compared to the twenty horses in the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024, only fourteen horses can run at Pimlico.
It’s fascinating to note that the Preakness Stakes race has evolved significantly. In 1918, a staggering twenty-six horses competed in the race, which was then conducted in two divisions. This unique format led to two Preakness Stakes winners that year, a historical anomaly that adds to the race’s rich tapestry.
The Black-Eyed Susan Floral Arrangement
Like the Kentucky Derby, there is a floral arrangement for the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The flower that will be draped over the winning horse is the black-eyed Susan. However, the winning horse will be draped with yellow lilies because the Black-Eyed Susans bloom in Maryland in June or July. The Black-Eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland.
At first glance, one might look at the flower arrangement and think that the winning horse is draped with sunflowers, which bear a striking resemblance to the Black-Eyed Susan flower.
https://www.americanmeadows.com/content/perennials/black-eyed-susan/all-about-black-eyed-susan
Will There be Contention for the Triple Crown:
The big question that’s keeping every horse racing fan on the edge of their seat is whether we’ll witness a potential Triple Crown contender this year. The suspense hinges on the participation of the Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, in the Preakness. Especially given that there has not been a Triple Crown winner in the last six years, with Justify being the last thoroughbred horse to win all three races back in 2018, the anticipation is palpable.
Mystik Dan has recently been confirmed to run in the Preakness. Being the Derby winner, it is almost expected that he will be the favorite to win, right? No, not if owner Bob Baffert has anything to say about it.
Baffert at the Preakness Stakes
Baffert has two horses entered in the coveted second leg of the Triple Crown. Muth is heading to be the favorite to win over Mystik Dan. What kind of race awaits horse racing fans on May 18, 2024? Well, we will all just have to tune in to watch.
13 horses are tasked with trying to throw Mystik Dan off course in his quest to be the next winner of the Preakness Stakes and take jewel two of three in the always eventful and historic quest of being the next Triple Crown winner. Will Mystik Dan be just the 14th horse ever to win the coveted Triple Crown? Will a Bob Baffert horse be the next Preakness winner and derail another’s chance at the Triple Crown?
About the Author
Amanda Bentle is a mother with many talents under her belt. She is also a wife, co-worker, friend, daughter and sister. Writing is something that has always come naturally to her. Amanda is able to share her love of many hobbies as she is not a one hobby kind of gal, with her husband and son.
Not only is Amanda a master of many talents and hobbies but one of the many things she loves as much as her little family are the cats and dogs that she has rescued and welcomed into her little family over the last seven to ten years.
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