Post positions were selected for the 134th Preakness on Wednesday afternoon in tent in the parking lot adjacent to the stakes barn at Pimlico. Once again this year the post positions were drawn in the traditional random order pill pull. A field of 13 was drawn this year, with Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra, who drew post 13, set as the morning line favorite at 8-5. Kentucky Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile is second choice at 5-1 with Derby winner Mine That Bird and beaten Derby favorite Friesan Fire ties at 6-1 for third choice.
The Woodlawn Vase, the permanent Preakness trophy, was on display at the draw.
Scott Blasi, assistant trainer for Steve Asmussen, was on hand to see which post Rachel Alexandra drew. He said, "I was just speaking with Jess (Jackson) and Steve (Asmussen) and we're very happy with it, being on the outside. You've got a long run to the first turn here. With having a filly in the race, what you're worried about is traffic and everything that can happen. In the Derby, when you break they all come together. I think it's a very good spot for us. I think the race will sort itself out before the first turn. We know that she does have good tactical speed and she should be able to get a good position going into the first turn."
Trainer Bob Baffert was pleased with Pioneerof the Nile's draw of post 9. He said, "It's very good. I wanted the 9, 10 or 11. We got the 9, which is very good." While trainer D. Wayne Lukas was more ambivalent about 50-1 longshot Luv Gov drawing post 4. He said, "The 4 is OK – As long as it's not the one hole. He comes from off the pace. It's OK."
The Preakness will be televised on NBC from 4:30 to 6:30PM ET with the race going to post at 6:15 PM. Free past performances are available from Preakness past performances.
Here are the entries with post positions and morning line odds. Be sure to click the link on each horse's name to view full info, stats, and a photo where available.
Miss Preakness for 2009 Heather Radford. She is an animal equine studies major at the University of Maryland and works as an exercise rider.
Triple Crown quick links:
Thursday Preakness Photos - It was dark and rainy this morning at Pimlico but with 10 Preakness horses on the grounds, it was still busy. Here are photos of all 10 including the arrival of Rachel Alexandra on Wednesday afternoon. New!
Alibi Breakfast - The traditional Alibi Breakfast was held on Thursday morning before the 134th
running of the Preakness Stakes. Connections of all 13 of the Preakness entrants were on hand to swap stories about their horses. New!
Wednesday Preakness Photos - It was sunny and cool this morning at Pimlico and six Preakness horses were already here. Four went to the track and two only walked the shedrow. Here are two photos each horse. New!
Analyzing the Preakness Contenders - Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by using angles and statistical trends to match each with the profile of a Preakness winner. New!
Fillies in the Preakness Stakes - a look at the 52 fillies who have run in the Preakness and how they did. So far there have been 4 wins, 5 seconds, and 8 thirds. New!
Preakness Entry Rules - the field is limited to 14 starters, here is how they determine the order of preference if more than that enter.
Preakness Infield Changes for 2009 - In an effort to clean up the rough reputation of the Preakness Infield crowd, this year fans won't be allowed to bring in beverages but they will have 3 bands giving concerts including ZZ Top.
DRF Preakness Special - lots of good info like past winners preps and past performances.
Big Brown wins easy in the 2008 Preakness - He drew off to win by 5 1/4 lengths over Macho Again and Icabad Crane, so it is on to New York and a Triple Crown chance in the Belmont Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Derby Results and Photos - all the details about Mine That Bird's win plus tons of photos from Derby week at Churchill Downs.