Although the Kentucky Derby allows up to 20 starters, the Preakness only allows a maximum field of 14. The Derby has the simple rule of graded stakes earnings to determine who can enter, with preference given to original nominees over any supplements. The Preakness uses a three-tiered process to decide who can get in the field if more than 14 are entered. Horses not already nominated to the Triple Crown can be supplemented for cost a of $100,000, but apparently they come last in priority behind any horse already nominated. The conditions of the races listed on the Triple Crown nomination form only mention that rule for the Kentucky Derby, but it seems the Preakness is going to follow it as well. You can read the actual conditions here.
The first seven positions are determined by graded stakes earnings as in the Derby. The next four slots are given to the top lifetime earners in non-restricted races, so any earnings from restricted races would be subtracted from their total earnings. The final three positions are given to the horses with the most lifetime earnings regardless of the type of race, open or restricted. If there are any ties, they will draw lots from the tied horses to pick who gets in the race. Also, no horse who earns purse money in The Kentucky Derby (which is the first 5 finishers) will be denied the opportunity to start in the Preakness.
Here are the current Preakness contenders with their lifetime earnings and graded earnings. I have also indicated if they have any restricted earnings, but I didn't go look up those races to subtract it out. For most it won't be enough to make much of a difference.
Manhattan Handicap (G1) and Just a Game Stakes (G1) Results - On the Belmont undercard, Gio Ponti won over Marsh Side and Better Talk Now in the Manhattan Handicap, while Diamondrella beat favorite Forever Together in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes (G1), True North Handicap (G2), and Woody Stephens Stakes (G2) Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Gabby's Golden Gal upset favorite Justwhistledixie in the Acorn, top choice Fabulous Strike beat defending champ Benny the Bull in the True North Handicap, and Munnings won by 5 1/4 lengths in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Brooklyn Handicap (G2) and Hill Prince Stakes - Eldaafer got up by a nose to win the Brooklyn Handicap over pacesetter Nite Light in the slop, with favorite Rising Moon third. In the Hill Prince Stakes, which was taken off the turf, Despite the Odds drew away to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2009 Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Mine That Bird the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 7. Get the entries, post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Belmont Stakes Friday Workouts - Photos of 5 of the Belmont Stakes horses on the sloppy track in the rain Friday morning, including Mine That Bird. Get the details and photos here.
Belmont Contenders Weekend Workouts - Five of the likely entrants for next weekend's Belmont Stakes had timed works at Belmont Park on May 30-31, including Charitable Man and Dunkirk. Get the details and photos here.
Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness - She led most of the way and was ahead by 4 at the top of the stretch, then held off Mine That Bird by a length. Musket Man was another 1/2 length back in third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, most of them grade 2 or 3, including the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Parading.
Preakness Entry Rules
