The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes took place on May 18, 2024, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. This second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series saw a number of exciting races throughout the day. Let's take a look at some highlights from Saturday's program.
Race 1 was a maiden special weight event for 3-year-olds and up on dirt, with Irish Heartbeat emerging as the winner. The horse, ridden by Luis Saez, finished the race in 59.01 seconds with odds of 6.60 to win.
Race 2 was a 3-year-olds and up allowance event on turf over 1 mile and 1/16 miles. Desvio, ridden by Ortiz, took the lead in this race with a time of 2:04.89 and odds of 5.20 to win.
Race 3 was a six furlongs dirt race for 3-year-olds and up, which Nasty Habit won with a time of 1:10.67 and odds of 11.40 to win.
Magic Express, ridden by Saez, finished second in Race 3 with a time of 1:10.82 and odds of 4.20 to place.
Mirahmadi secured third place in Race 3 with a time of 1:10.95 and odds of 3.20 to show.
The Preakness Stakes itself, the second race in horse racing's Triple Crown series, saw Mystik Dan as the favorite with odds of 5-2 after winning the Kentucky Derby on short rest. However, Gene Menez, a successful horse racing writer for SportsLine and Sports Illustrated, did not include Mystik Dan in any of his wagers for the Preakness Stakes.
The future of Pimlico Racecourse and horseracing in Baltimore was also discussed during the coverage. Gov. Wes Moore spoke about the importance of maintaining this historic institution and its impact on the community.
CEO Lisa Lazarus from Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) shared information about their efforts to make the sport safer for all involved.
Kevin Liles, a Baltimore native and music mogul, previewed Preakness Live artist Jack Harlow. Sunny, a special dog named Mystik Dan's companion, was given her own credential for Preakness 149.
Lance Gasaway, owner of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, discussed the decision to run at the Preakness based on his horse's health.
