The $1 million Preakness Stakes (G1) is the second jewel in the Triple Crown. A field of 11 three-year-olds contested this 1 3/16 mile trip around two turns at historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on a sunny Saturday afternoon with temperatures in the low 80's before a record on-track crowd of 121,309.
As expected, Kentucky Derby runner-up and Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Bodemeister was sent off as the 8-5 favorite, as bettors feel his speed would be advantageous at the shorter distance. In to challenge him included Kentucky Derby (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner I'll Have Another as the 3-1 second choice, and 11-2 third choice Went the Day Well, fourth in the Kentucky Derby after winning the Spiral Stakes (G3).
I'll Have Another runs down Bodemeister in the stretch with Creative Cause just behind.
Jockey Mike Smith sent Bodemeister to the lead first time past the stands and he set fractions of 23.79, 47.68, and 1:11.72 over the fast track, while stalked by 34-1 Pretension and 6-1 Creative Cause. Mario Gutierrez kept I'll Have Another out of trouble in fourth early. Entering the stretch, Bodemeister opened up a 3 length lead, getting the mile in 1:36.69, but like in the Derby, I'll Have Another closed on the outside. The pair hooked up inside the 1/16 pole and I'll Have Another pushed ahead by a neck in the final strides to get the win in 1:55.94. It was a long 8 3/4 lengths back to Creative Cause third.
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
9 I'll Have Another Gutierrez 8.40 3.80 2.80
7 Bodemeister Smith 3.20 2.80
6 Creative Cause Rosario 3.60
Winning Time: 1:55.94
$2 Exacta 9-7 18.60
$2 Trifecta 9-7-6 70.80
$1 Superfecta 9-7-6-4 424.30
$2 Super High Five 9-7-6-4-2 3,667.60
$2 Special-Preakness double 8-9 45.00
Left: The happy connections celebrate with the trophy.
Right: I'll Have Another is mobbed on his way to the winner's circle. His trainer Doug O'Neill said, "I'm just numb. I could see him and I felt like he was coming, but you never want to expect that he's going to be in front. I saw him coming.It seemed like the stretch never ends. Thank God. Usually you want it to end. Incredible. The great part of I'll Have Another is that any of us could have a horse like this. He didn't cost a million bucks. But he's got the heart of a champion, the stride of a champion, and the mind of a champion."
Left: I'll Have Another in the walk over from the barn before the race.
Right: I'll Have Another heads into the indoor paddock for saddling. Owner J. Paul Reddam said, "It wasn't really until about 20 yards from the wire that I thought we were going to win. So it was pretty exciting. There are a lot of horses that have been in this position (Triple Crown) the last 15 years, and it didn't happen for them. So we're only two-thirds there, right? So we've got to be cool, including the chalk, and try to block everything out. When we get to the Belmont, just ride the race, and if it happens, it happens."
Left: I'll Have Another heads on to the turf course to parade before the race. His jockey Mario Gutierrez said, "This is not about me. We talked about it with Mr. Reddam and Mr. O'Neill. We wanted to be a little bit closer to Bodemeister this time because normally that horse runs a huge race. My horse has a tremendous kick in the end. He has been proving that in the last three races. He didn't disappoint again today. I want to put the pressure a little bit on the side because the credit he earned all this. He has proven a lot of people wrong. I just have to prepare because I want to be at the same level as him. He's an amazing horse.
Right: I'll Have Another in the post parade.
Left: I'll Have Another heads to the test barn after the race. His owner Paul Reddam added, "The horse has done everything that we've asked of him this year, and he hasn't had the most respect. He's never been favored, and I think for those who follow the horse and bet on them, that will be pretty rewarding. I don't know if that will be the case next time after today's race."
Right: I'll Have Another returns to the barn.
Left: Second place finisher and beaten favorite Bodemeister leads first time by. His trainer Bob Baffert said, "I felt really good about where he was. He looked like he was traveling nicely down the backside and coming to the 3/8 pole, he just sat on him. The fractions were more reasonable today, so turning for home I really thought he was going to do it. He just got a little late there at the end. The winner's a good horse. It was a good horse race. I really can't complain. We didn't win it, but my horse ran his race. The winner's a good horse. He'll get the respect now that he deserves. The California horses are really tough. They ran 1-2-3. I'm proud that as a trainer my horse showed up and he ran his race." Jockey Mike Smith added, "I thought I put him away but he (I'll Have Another) reached up and got us with three strides. Two great horses and I give them all the credit for what they did."
Right: Third place finisher Creative Cause runs out after the finish. His trainer Mike Harrington said, "He just got outrun. He always brings his best race. He just couldn't outrun those horses today. What can you do? You've got to try to win the race. Joel Rosario tried to win the race. I have no regrets. He probably won it for I'll Have Another." Jockey Joel Rosario dedicated the ride to his brother who was killed earlier in the day in a traffic accident in the Dominican Republic.
Triple Crown quick links:
Oxbow upsets in the Preakness - Oxbow led the entire way in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Pimlico with Itsmyluckyday second and Mylute third. Heavy favorite Orb made a mild move to finish fourth. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, highlighted by the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Skyring and the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (G3) won by Summer Applause. Get the results, charts, and photos for 6 of the races here.
Fiftyshadesofhay wins the Black-Eyed Susan - Fiftyshadesofhay just got up to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) on Friday at Pimlico by a neck over Marathon Lady with favorite Emollient 6th. On the undercard, Last Gunfighter won the Pimlico Special (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2013 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. The big surprise is that Kentucky Derby winner Orb is not in the top group!
Orb wins the Kentucky Derby - Orb was far back early but took the lead in the stretch and drew off to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 2 1/2 lengths over longshot Golden Soul and Revolutionary. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
More Kentucky Derby Photos - More photos from the day including more of Orb, the trophy, the roses, Martina McBride, and lots of mud.
Kentucky Derby undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Derby day including the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) won by 2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan and the Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) won by Aubby K. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Princess of Sylmar upsets in the Kentucky Oaks - She rallied from far back to win the Kentucky Oaks by a half length over Beholder and Unlimited Budget, while favorite Dreaming of Julia was fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Oaks day including the La Troienne Stakes (G2) won by Authenticity and the Alysheba Stakes (G3) won by Take Charge Indy. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 18 Derby horses, everyone on the grounds except the one in quarantine, and 6 Oaks fillies from this morning on the track.
Kentucky Oaks Entries - A field of 11 fillies will go, with Gulfstream Oaks winner Dreaming of Julia favorite at 3-1 from post 8. Get the post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.