Preakness Runs Today

The second leg of the Triple Crown Competition in horse racing, is being held today in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness at Pimlico promises excitement as Animal Kingdom tries to claim another victory and win a chance at the final obstacle at Belmont. Will he be able to hold back the pack as he did at the Kentucky Derby just a couple of weeks of ago? Some of the other horses in today’s race have seen him before. Their riders, trainers and owners have had a chance to look at his run – analyze his speed and his jockey’s tactics. I know that I underestimated him in the Run for the Roses, but will not make that mistake again. Here are the horses and their current odds:

Animal Kingdom 2 – 1
Nehro 4 – 1
Dialed In 6 – 1
Mucho Macho Man 6 – 1
Dance City 10 – 1
Shackleford 12 – 1
Midnight Interlude 15 – 1
Flashpoint 15 – 1
Astrology 18 – 1
Sway Away 20 – 1
King Congie 20 – 1
Mr. Commons 25 – 1
Norman Asbjornson 30 – 1
Concealed Identity 40 – 1

A field of fourteen are no doubt being groomed and massaged as they await the starting bell. Shackleford led most of the race at Churchill Downs, but ended up in fourth as he burned out at the final stage – can he keep the lead today? Mucho Macho Man was favored in the Derby and stole third – will he out run Animal Kingdom? And Nehro was the only horse beaten by Animal Kingdom so today may be his revenge. As for Dialed In, another favorite at the Kentucky Derby, he finished in the top ten but at a disappointing eighth. Will he be redeemed today? Or will one of the horses that we didn’t see run on the first Saturday in May steal the thunder at Pimlico?

There is only one way to find out. NBC is providing coverage for today’s race. The weather looks nice and the excitement is building. Pick a horse and let’s gather for the Preakness!