Rain Threatens to Dampen $1.5 Million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico

Of the eleven contenders, seven have won over a track listed as “off” but that label can encompass anything from a wet-fast track to a sloppy surface. Nyquist, the 3-5 morning line favorite, won the Florida Derby (G1) over a main track listed as “good” after Gulftsream Park had some rain. The bay son of Uncle Mo is undefeated from eight starts and will be trying to win the second leg of the Triple Crown after winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) last time out as the favorite.

Exaggerator loves a sloppy track

Exaggerator notched the biggest victory of his career over a wet track in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and has proven he can perform well over a truly sloppy surface. He will be trying to turn the tables on Nyquist after finishing a fast-closing second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and has been on the board in eight of his ten starts. He has been tabbed at morning line odds of 3-1 and will break from post five under regular rider Kent Desormeaux.

Flashback to the 2015 Preakness Stakes

In 2015, American Pharoah splashed home to win the Preakness Stakes (G1) by seven-lengths as the heavy favorite. As the horses were being saddled, the skies opened up at Pimlico and the deluge quickly soaked the main track, leaving it sloppy by the time they got in the starting gate. American Pharoah went on to sweep the Triple Crown with a win in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and retired after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) to complete racing’s first “Grand Slam”.