The 148th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1), the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, and 99th renewal of the $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) highlight a weekend of racing featuring 15 stakes, eight graded, worth $3.5 million in purses May 19-20 at historic Pimlico Race Course. Last year's program had 16 stakes worth $3.8 million.
The $1.5 million Preakness for 3-year-olds going 1 3/16 miles is the centerpiece of the Preakness meet scheduled to run May 11-June 4. There are nine stakes, five graded, worth $2.5 million in purses on the May 20 Preakness Day program.
Graded stakes on the undercard are the $200,000 Dinner Party Stakes (G3T) for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles on the grass; $200,000 Chick Lang (G3) for 3-year-olds and $100,000 Maryland Sprint (G3) for 3-year-olds and up, each at six furlongs; and $100,000 Gallorette Stakes (G3T) where fillies and mares 3 and older will travel 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Four $100,000 races round out the Preakness Day stakes program.
The 1 1/8-mile Black-Eyed Susan for 3-year-old fillies holds its traditional spot on the May 19 Preakness Eve card, featuring six stakes, three graded, worth $1 million in purses.
The historic $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3) for 3-year-olds and up, contested at 1 3/16 miles, and $150,000 Miss Preakness (G3) for 3-year-old fillies sprinting six furlongs top the Black-Eyed Susan undercard.
The full Preakness weekend stakes schedule is online.
