The track is fast and the turf is firm at Pimlico, so the 137th running of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) should be run in terrific weather. Early wagering has Bodemeister as the fairly heavy favorite at around 9-5, with Derby winner I'll Have Another in the vicinity of 3-1.
The first thoroughbred races of the day have been completed -- there was also one Arabian race -- and no upsets have occurred thus far. In the opener, a five-furlong allowance optional claiming race on the turf, even-money favorite Varsity triumphed under Joe Bravo for trainer Christophe Clement. Race 2 was a 1 1/16th miles starter handicap on the main track, in which 3-5 favorite Baileys Beach claimed the victory under Javier Santiago.
Race 3 was the $100,000 Gallorette Handicap (gr. III) at 1 1/16th miles on the turf. Zagora was sent off at even-money and ran to her odds, rallying fast along the inside to score a convincing victory over longshot Speak Easy Gal.
Race 4 was a 1 1/16th miles allowance race for three-year-olds, in which Bob Baffert's Paynter was the heavy favorite at odds of 1-10. As it turned out, odds of 1-20 might have been more appropriate, for the colt displayed a tremendous turn of foot in the stretch to win going away in 1:42.96, signaling that the main track may be a bit on the slow side today. Brimstone Island finished second, which may or may not bode well for Pretension's chances in the Preakness later this afternoon. After all, Brimstone Island was beaten just a head last time out by Pretension in the Canonero II Stakes.
More updates to come!
-Keelerman
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