Rain soaked the grounds of Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, casting a dreary backdrop for Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan's quest for consecutive Triple Crown triumphs in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. The anticipated showdown will see Mystik Dan facing off against seven contenders, aiming to replicate the feat last achieved by Justify in 2018. Should Mystik Dan emerge victorious, it would pave the way for an uncommon and historic Triple Crown showdown at the Belmont Stakes next month.
The formidable competition includes Imagination, trained by Bob Baffert, Catching Freedom from Brad Cox's stable, and Tuscan Gold under the tutelage of Chad Brown. With persistent showers forecasted, the Preakness may unfold on a muddy track, adding an extra layer of challenge to this prestigious event.
The Preakness 2024 is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. ET, with coverage beginning on NBC at 4:30 p.m. ET, or you can stream it on Peacock.
Initially, Baffert had two horses lined up for the race, set to commence just after 7 p.m. EDT. However, morning line favorite Muth was withdrawn earlier in the week due to a fever. Mystik Dan entered Saturday's race as the 3-1 favorite, closely followed by Catching Freedom and Tuscan Gold at 7-2 odds each, with Imagination at 9-2.
Kenny McPeek, Mystik Dan's trainer, commented earlier this week on the competition, stating, “Catching Freedom trained really well going into the Derby. He’s a very nice horse. And Bob, he wouldn’t bring a horse without it being a good horse, and Chad’s also got a horse coming out of (finishing third behind winner Catching Freedom in) the Louisiana Derby. Yeah, it's not a given.”