The second jewel of the Triple Crown belongs to the coveted Preakness Stakes, held on the third Sunday of May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks prior to the Belmont Stakes. This Grade 1 Thoroughbred race for 3-year-old horses owes its unique name to Oden Bowie, a Maryland governor who gave immortal fame to the winning colt of the track's premier race back in 1870. Preakness Stakes had its first real edition in 1873, preceding the Kentucky Derby by two years, and even though it has suffered occasional setbacks due to funding issues and changing legislation, it has remained a constant commodity of the American top horse racing circuits for more than a century.

The Preakness Stakes is ranked second in the USA in terms of popularity and viewership, only behind the preeminent Kentucky Derby event occurring earlier during the same month. It holds many memorable aliases, including the "Run for the Black-eyed Susan’s" after the white-colored flowers draping that is placed upon the winning horse at the end of the race.

Similar to other American Grade 1 major races, the Preakness Stakes carry with it a lot of timeless tradition: attendees will gleefully sing the state-own anthem of "Maryland, My Maryland" prior the commencement of the big event, and after the race is over, a painter makes the perilous climb atop Pimlico's classic weather vane to beautify the jockey and horse with the winner's colors.

Sadly, in recent years, a general state of track disrepair has prompted the current organizing body of Pimlico Park, the Stronach Group, to call for bankruptcy and seek for new buyers to take on the difficult task of renovations. It appears it will ultimately fall on the state of Maryland to take on the helm and keep this familiar and much-beloved venue alive, for the enjoyment of many more generations to come.

BETMANIA players can find Preakness Stakes Betting Odds on competing horses, including horse racing bet types such as Win/Place/Show, Exactas, Trifectas, Superfectas and many more. Visit our Racebook to learn more about the available bet options and other popular race tracks.

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Preakness Stakes Facts:

  • Racecourse type: American Grade 1 Stakes Thoroughbred (dirt).
  • Location: Pimlico Park, Baltimore, Maryland.
  • Purse: 1.5 million dollars.
  • Venue capacity: 120 thousand spectators.
  • Track length: nearly 2 miles (9.5 furlongs)
  • Important track records: (1973) Secretariat at 1:53.00 mins.