The Preakness Stakes, one of the three major horse races in the United States, is set for its 146th running in 2022. It will be the second leg of the Triple Crown series, held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. Each year, the Preakness field is comprised of some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country, and the race is always packed with excitement. So, how many horses will take to the track for the Preakness 2022?
Number of Entries
The Preakness is limited to 14 starters, but that doesn’t mean 14 horses will be entered. The field is comprised of the top finishers in the Kentucky Derby, plus any other horses that are nominated to the race. The number of entries can vary from year to year, but it usually ranges from 10-14 horses. According to the Maryland Racing Commission, the Preakness 2022 field will be limited to 14 horses.
Triple Crown Series
The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown series, and the race typically attracts horses that have already competed in the Kentucky Derby. The winner of the Kentucky Derby automatically earns a spot in the Preakness, and the other horses in the top four are also invited to compete. These horses are known as the “Core Four.” In addition to the Core Four, more horses can be entered if they are nominated to the race.
Eligible Nominations
The Preakness is open to any three-year-old thoroughbred that is nominated to the race. Each year, a number of horses are nominated to the Preakness, and the field is then filled with the top finishers from the Kentucky Derby and any other horses that are nominated. The Maryland Racing Commission determines the final field for the Preakness each year.
Field Selection Process
The field for the Preakness is determined by the Maryland Racing Commission. The Commission reviews the nominations and then selects the final field based on a number of factors, including the horse’s performance in the Kentucky Derby, the horse’s overall racing record, and the horse’s potential to do well in the Preakness. The Commission also considers the horse’s previous performances in the Triple Crown series, as well as the horse’s pedigree and racing style.
Core Four
The Core Four consists of the top four finishers in the Kentucky Derby. These horses automatically earn a spot in the Preakness field and do not have to be nominated. The Core Four generally consists of the winner of the Derby, the second-place finisher, the third-place finisher, and the fourth-place finisher.
Other Nominations
In addition to the Core Four, the Maryland Racing Commission may also invite other horses to compete in the Preakness. These horses must be nominated to the race and the Commission will consider a number of factors when selecting the final field. The Commission may also choose to invite horses that did not race in the Kentucky Derby but have performed well in other races.
Horses to Watch for Preakness 2022
The field for the Preakness 2022 won’t be determined until the Kentucky Derby is run in May 2022, but there are already some horses that could be contenders for the race. Here are some of the top horses to watch for the Preakness 2022:
- Essential Quality: This undefeated colt is the current favorite for the Kentucky Derby and could potentially win the Triple Crown. He is a son of Tapit and has already won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
- Rock Your World: This colt won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and is considered one of the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby. He is by Candy Ride and has won three of his four career starts.
- Hot Rod Charlie: This colt has been a consistent performer and is expected to be a major contender for the Kentucky Derby. He is by Oxbow and has won two of his three career starts.
- Known Agenda: This colt is a son of Curlin and is a major contender for the Kentucky Derby. He has won two of his four career starts and is expected to be a major factor in the Triple Crown series.
Changes to the Preakness Field
The field for the Preakness 2022 could look different than in previous years. At the 2020 Preakness, there were only 10 horses entered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the field could return to its traditional size of 14 in 2022, it could also be smaller depending on the number of nominations and the number of horses that are eligible to compete.
Preakness 2022 Purse
The purse for the Preakness 2022 has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be one of the largest ever. The purse for the 2020 Preakness was a record-breaking $1.65 million and the purse for the 2021 Preakness is estimated to exceed $2 million. The purse for the Preakness 2022 will be determined by the Maryland Racing Commission.
Conclusion
The Preakness is one of the most exciting horse races in the world and the 2022 running promises to be no different. The field is limited to 14 starters, but it is expected to be larger than in previous years. The field will be determined by the Maryland Racing Commission, who will select the final field based on a number of factors. The purse for the Preakness 2022 will be announced closer to the race date.
References
- Cronin, J. (2020, October 28). Preakness 2020 Purse: Record-Breaking $1.65 Million Handed Out. Retrieved from https://www.saratogian.com/sports/preakness-2020-purse-record-breaking-1-65-million-handed-out/article_9ea6bcd0-19d0-11eb-b2ff-6f2acd5f2c5d.html
- Maryland Racing Commission. (2021, January 15). Preakness Rules & Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.dllr.state.md.us/mrc/preaknessrulesandregs.html
- Stoklosa, B. (2021, January 29). Preakness 2021 Purse: How Much Money Is Up for Grabs? Retrieved from https://www.saratogian.com/sports/preakness-2021-purse-how-much-money-is-up-for-grabs/article_a69c3f04-5f89-11eb-9e6e-bfa7d5a3313b.html