A field of ten will compete this Saturday May 20 in the 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland. The Grade 1, $1.5 million dollar race is run at a distance of 1 and 3/16 miles on dirt and is known as The Second Jewel of the Triple Crown, just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes.
Always Dreaming’s winning Kentucky Derby performance over a very sloppy track on May 6 has made him the heavy favorite in the Preakness with his current odds standing at 4-5. The three-year-old colt is trained by Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez is on the mount.
For those not attending the event live, get into the excitement of the day by attending one of the many Preakness Stakes viewing parties taking place around Saratoga Springs on Saturday afternoon:
Preakness Stakes Viewing
in the Hall of Fame
National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. 5:30-7 p.m., Free
Watch the Preakness Stakes surrounded by horse racing history and memorabilia in the Hall of Fame Gallery. The museum’s free event will have food and beverages for purchase from 9 Miles East Farm and Saratoga Eagle. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
“Raising Dough” Preakness Viewing Party presented by The Race Track Chaplaincy of New York
The West Side Sports Bar & Grill, 112 Congress St., Saratoga Springs. 4-7 p.m.
Suggested donation, $10.
Spend the afternoon supporting the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York. 20% of all food, beverage and takeout sales will be donated to the organization. There will also be great raffles throughout the afternoon including Saratoga Race Track Box Seats for five, two VIP tickets to Dave Matthews Band at SPAC, Golf for four at McGregor Links and more.
“Preakness & Bourbon Party” at The Diamond Club at Embassy Suites
Embassy Suites by Hilton, 86 Congress St., Saratoga Springs. 5-10 p.m., Free
Celebrate race-day by sipping on the signature cocktail of the Preakness Stakes, “The Black-Eyed Susan” with discounted $6 Maker’s Mark bourbon cocktails all evening. There will be opportunity to receive a free bet on the race with your purchase of a cocktail. Following the race, enjoy live jazz music by the band Fresh.
Preakness Party at Vapor
Vapor Nightclub at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs,
4-6 p.m., Free.
Enjoy the 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes on Vapor’s big screen televisions. Before the race goes off, you’ll have plenty of time to place your bets from the Mezzanine simulcast room located on the Casino’s second level. Coors Light will be hosting a promotion all afternoon with Superfecta ticket giveaways, Saratoga Race Course themed swag and specials on Coors Light.
Looking to stay in? Watch the Preakness from the comfort of your home. NBC Sports will be covering the race-day live from 5-7:15pm. Wherever you choose to celebrate the day, please enjoy responsibly!
