The Preakness Stakes is the next big horse racing event after the Kentucky Derby and welcomes the top three-year-old thoroughbred horses to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on the third Saturday in May.
The Preakness is a change in gears from the Kentucky Derby (1 ¼ miles), shrinking the length to 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) and putting a dependency on speed and pace rather than stamina.
“The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” draws a lot of horse racing betting action, especially if the winner of the Derby is involved. Most years, the promise of a Triple Crown champion captures a wider audience and powers Preakness Stakes betting.
Time and place
- Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
- Post time: 6:50 p.m. ET
- Place: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland
Odds
The odds to win the Preakness Stakes are heavily influenced by the results of the Kentucky Derby, especially if those top horses ran a faster pace at Churchill Downs. Preakness Stakes odds are often released shortly after the conclusion of the Derby and will take action until race time.
Picks & Predictions
Our expert horse racing analysts, will give their best bets, including their favorite trifecta pick, in our Preakness Stakes picks and predictions.
Horses
The field for the Preakness Stakes is limited to 14 horses (compared to 20 for the Kentucky Derby) with entries based on graded stakes earnings as well as lifetime earnings. The Top 5 horses from the Kentucky Derby are granted automatic entrance, however, not all horses that run in the Derby will run in the Preakness.
Where can I bet on the Preakness Stakes?
Several legal horse racing specialist betting sites offer odds on the most popular races from around the world, including the Preakness Stakes.
Here are the best horse racing betting sites available.
Horse racing for beginners
Triple Crown races like the Preakness Stakes have a massive mainstream appeal and bring out many bettors new to horse racing. If you’re looking to learn the betting basics or need a refresher on some simple tips, check out our horse racing for beginners guide.
Post positions
Preakness post positions were announced on Monday.
Watch
Horse racing fans can watch the 2024 Preakness Stakes on NBC, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
Preakness Stakes history
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history as one of the most storied events in horse racing, setting the stage for famed Triple Crown champions and providing countless thrilling finishes for horse racing bettors.
Distances
The first Preakness was held in 1873 and was originally run at 1 ½ miles until 1894 when the race was shortened to 1 1/16 miles until 1900. Between 1901 and 1924 the distance moved between 1 mile and 70 yards and 1 1/8 miles before being set at its current length of 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs).
Triple Crown road
Twenty-three horses have won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, setting up a run at the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes. Only 13 of those contenders have completed the Triple Crown, with the most recent being Justify (2018) and American Pharoah (2015).
Fastest Preakness
The speed record for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes belongs to the famed Triple Crown champion Secretariat who ran the 9.5 furlongs in a time of 1 minute and 53 seconds in 1973.
The 2020 Preakness winner Swiss Skydiver not only ran the second-fastest Preakness time at 1 3/16 miles but set the all-time fastest run by a filly at 1:53.28. The 2020 Preakness was held in October rather than May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pimlico Race Course
The Preakness Stake is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, which opened in 1870. The course has a 1-mile dirt oval surrounded by a 7/8-mile turf track and can accommodate 120,000 spectators including the infield venue. Pimlico is nicknamed “Old Hilltop” due to a hill in the infield, which has recently become infamous for its party atmosphere during Preakness weekend.
Black-Eyed Susans
Known as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans”, the winner of the Preakness Stakes is adorned with a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans – the state flower of Maryland – and patrons enjoy a drink of the same name, which includes equal parts bourbon, vodka, and peach schnapps mixed with orange juice and sour mix.
Preakness Stakes FAQs
The Preakness Stakes is held on the third Saturday of May and will take place on May 18, 2024.
The post time for the 2023 Preakness Stakes is 6:50 p.m. ET on May 18, 2024.
The Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Preakness Stake will be broadcast on NBC on May 18 2024.
