Triple Crown immortality is horse racing's greatest honor. Countless horses have tried and only 11 have succeeded. Affirmed the 11th American Triple Crown Winner as the gallant colt reached down for all his reserves, to outfinish his rival, Calumet Farm's Alydar. Finally, this hearty competitor would receive the accolades and rewards of greatness that he so richly deserved. Until that shining moment, there were only 10 before the amazing Affirmed was crowned.

The Preakness Stakes field

Ten 3-year-old Thoroughbreds are entered in Saturday's 133rd Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. The 1 3/16-mile race is the second leg of the Triple Crown. Each starter carries 126 pounds, jockey included. Horses are listed in post position order. Saddle cloth numbers differ from post position.

Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course

The Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Pimlico has been hosting horse races since 1870 and is the second oldest horse race track in the United States (Saratoga, which opened in 1864, is the oldest). This is a 1 3/16 mile horse race with a purse of $1 million. The track record of 1:53 2/5 is shared by Tank's Prospect (1985) and Louis Quatorze (1996). The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of horse racing's greatest honor, the Triple Crown. To win the Triple Crown, a horse must first win the Kentucky Derby, then the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes.

Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Track

The Pimlico Race Track is home of the Preakness Stakes, the Pimlico first opened its doors on October 25, 1870. It is the second oldest racetrack in the U.S. The first was Saratoga, upstate New York in 1864. The Pimlico racetrack was engineered by General John Ellicott and has hosted legendary horses such as Man O' War, Sir Barton, Sea Biscuit, War Admiral, Citation, Secretariat, Cigar and Silver Charm. The Pimlico is constructed on 70 acres overlooking the Jones Falls, the Maryland Jockey Club purchased the land for $23,500, and built the racetrack for $25,000 Still today the Maryland Jockey Club is dedicated to presenting the great sport of Thoroughbred racing as the centerpiece of a high-quality entertainment experience providing fun and excitement in an inviting and friendly atmosphere for people of all ages.

2008 Preakness Stakes Contenders

The contenders for the 2008 Kentucky Derby to be run on May 5th. The major preps are now underway and the contenders should start sorting themselves out a bit soon. Keep an eye on this page as I will be updating it regularly as more info is available and adding or removing horses as needed.