The Triple Crown is a prestigious honor bestowed upon thoroughbred racehorses who win the three most important races of the year: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. It is a rare feat, as only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown since its inception in 1919. The Triple Crown is widely considered to be one of the most difficult accomplishments in all of sports, and it is one of the most cherished titles in the racing world.
When is the Second Leg of the Triple Crown?
The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Preakness Stakes, which is held every year on the third Saturday in May. This year, the Preakness Stakes will be run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021. The race will take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
What is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel in the Triple Crown. It is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds, and it is run over a distance of a mile and three-sixteenths. The race offers a purse of $1.5 million and a coveted blanket of Black-Eyed Susans for the winner.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873 and is the second oldest leg of the Triple Crown, behind only the Kentucky Derby. The race is named after the colt Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes at the first Pimlico Race Course in 1870. Since then, the Preakness Stakes has grown to become one of the most important races in the horse racing world.
Notable Preakness Stakes Winners
Throughout its history, the Preakness Stakes has been won by some of the greatest horses of all time. Here are some of the most notable Preakness Stakes winners:
- Secretariat (1973): Secretariat is widely regarded as one of the greatest horses of all time, and he won the Preakness Stakes in record time. His time of 1:53 is the fastest time to date and is still the track record at Pimlico.
- Affirmed (1978): Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown and the Preakness Stakes was the second leg of his historic run. He held off a late charge from Alydar to win the Preakness by a head.
- American Pharoah (2015): American Pharoah ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought with a dominant victory in the Preakness. He cruised to a seven-length win over Firing Line and became just the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown.
Notable Preakness Stakes Races
In addition to the legendary horses who have won the Preakness Stakes, there have been some iconic races that have taken place over the years. Here are some of the most notable Preakness Stakes races in history:
- The 2000 Preakness Stakes: This race is remembered as one of the closest finishes in Preakness Stakes history. Red Bullet held off a late charge from Fusaichi Pegasus to win the race by a nose.
- The 2009 Preakness Stakes: This was the year that Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes since 1924. She held off a late charge from Mine That Bird to win by a length.
- The 2012 Preakness Stakes: This race is remembered for I’ll Have Another’s incredible come-from-behind victory. He was the first horse in over 100 years to win the Preakness Stakes after not racing in the Kentucky Derby.
How to Watch the 2021 Preakness Stakes
The 2021 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 15th, and it will be broadcast live on NBC. The race will be simulcast on NBC Sports Network and NBC Sports Gold. There will also be live streaming coverage available on the NBC Sports App and the NBC Sports website.
Betting on the 2021 Preakness Stakes
Betting on the 2021 Preakness Stakes is available through a variety of online sportsbooks. Bettors can wager on the winner, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. They can also bet on exotic wagers such as the Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 6.
2021 Preakness Stakes Contenders
The 2021 Preakness Stakes is expected to be a highly competitive race. Here are some of the contenders who are expected to contend for the win:
Essential Quality
Essential Quality is the early favorite to win the 2021 Preakness Stakes. He won the Kentucky Derby in convincing fashion, and many believe he is the best 3-year-old in the country. He is trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luis Saez.
Crowded Trade
Crowded Trade is the second choice in the 2021 Preakness Stakes. He finished third in the Kentucky Derby and is trained by Todd Pletcher. He is expected to be one of the main challengers to Essential Quality in the race.
Rombauer
Rombauer is an intriguing contender in the 2021 Preakness Stakes. He was a surprise winner of the 2020 Belmont Stakes and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He is expected to be a factor in the race.
Conclusion
The 2021 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 15th at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is the second leg of the Triple Crown and will feature some of the best 3-year-olds in the country. Essential Quality is the early favorite to win the race, but there are several other contenders who will be looking to upset him. It should be an exciting race, and it will be broadcast live on NBC.