Calm Before the Storm

By Steve Sherack

Overcast skies and cool temperatures greeted the GI Preakness S. contenders as they turned in their final preparations early Friday morning. 

The GI Kentucky Derby top three finishers–American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile), Firing Line (Line of David) and Dortmund (Big Brown)–couldn’t be looking any better as they return on short notice for the second leg of the Triple Crown. 

Couldn’t make it out to the Pimlico stakes barn Friday morning? FOX45 Morning News was out in full force with live coverage from the backstretch and grandstand, including footage of the Derby winner’s 7:15 a.m. trip to the track as well as an onsite Preakness forecast calling for potential late afternoon scattered showers and summer-like temperatures. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the rain stays away. 

Black-Eyed Susan day continues to gain momentum the past few years, headed by popular infield concerts sprinkled throughout the afternoon to early evening. Fuel, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon and others played to a festive crowd by the Jagermeister Stage. 

Billed as the “Ultimate Girls Day Out” under flawless conditions with temperatures in the mid-70s, there was plenty going on throughout the day at Old Hilltop. With a pink starting gate, an all-female handicapper challenge & seminar (nice job by former TDN’er Christina Bossinakis!), a ‘Hooves and Heels’ fashion event and plenty more, the 14-race card certainly didn’t disappoint with memorable performances from the ageless Ben’s Cat (Parker’s Storm Cat), Commissioner(A.P. Indy), Keen Pauline (Pulpit), and Stopchargingmaria (Tale of the Cat). Black-Eyed Susan day beneficiaries included the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 

Closing Preakness Thoughts: Early wagering has American Pharoah at odds of 3-5 to head back to New York with a chance at the elusive sweep. My money, however, will be on fellow Baffert trainee Dortmund to turn the tables. Good luck to all!