Delving into the rich tapestry of the Preakness Stakes unveils a captivating narrative, intricately woven with tales of equine excellence and the relentless pursuit of championship glory. This legendary race, the esteemed second jewel in the Triple Crown, has long been a compelling proving ground for thoroughbreds aspiring to etch their names into the annals of horse racing immortality. A significant hallmark of the Preakness's enduring prestige lies in its strong and consistent correlation with the annual Eclipse Awards, the highly esteemed accolades recognizing the zenith of achievement in North American horse racing.
Remarkably, within the recent historical tapestry of the Preakness, stretching back three decades, a substantial sixteen victors have been crowned champion three-year-old male at the prestigious Eclipse Awards. This powerful and statistically significant connection underscores the Preakness's role as a remarkably reliable indicator of future champions within the division. The most recent and prominent example of this compelling phenomenon is Justify's unforgettable Triple Crown triumph in 2018. His dominant and visually impressive performance in the Preakness Stakes was a pivotal and undeniable stepping stone towards his eventual and well-deserved Eclipse Award honors as champion three-year-old male.
Adding another fascinating dimension to this ongoing championship narrative is the exceptional case of the 2020 Preakness Stakes. In a year marked by unprecedented and unique circumstances that reshaped the racing calendar, the brilliant and courageous filly Swiss Skydiver etched her name indelibly into the history books by valiantly conquering her male counterparts in a thrilling display of speed and stamina at the historic Pimlico Race Course. Her remarkable and inspiring achievement was further validated and celebrated when she was rightfully bestowed with the Eclipse Award as champion three-year-old female, powerfully highlighting the Preakness's distinct capacity to produce champions that transcend traditional gender lines within the sport.
Beyond these recent luminaries who have achieved Preakness glory and Eclipse Award recognition, the distinguished list of Preakness champions who also claimed the coveted three-year-old male Eclipse Award reads like an illustrious roll call of true racing titans. The thirteen other exceptional colts to achieve this prestigious and highly sought-after double in recent memory include: the remarkably resilient Real Quiet (1998), the undeniably charismatic Charismatic (1999), the imposing and powerfully built Point Given (2001), the tenacious and determined War Emblem (2002), the beloved and fan-favorite Funny Cide (2003), the determined and popular Smarty Jones (2004), the powerfully striding Afleet Alex (2005), the regally bred Bernardini (2006), the consistently high-performing Curlin (2007), the imposing and dominant Big Brown (2008), the aptly and ironically named Lookin At Lucky (2010), the determined and resilient I'll Have Another (2012), the charismatic and beloved California Chrome (2014), and the unforgettable Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (2015).
These exceptional horses demonstrated undeniable talent, unwavering tenacity, and remarkable athleticism on the grand Preakness Stakes odds stage, crucial qualities that ultimately propelled them to deserved championship recognition at the annual Eclipse Awards.
The 2009 Preakness Stakes witnessed a truly historic and memorable moment with the awe-inspiring victory of the phenomenal and exceptionally talented filly Rachel Alexandra. Her remarkable triumph marked a truly significant milestone in the race's storied history, as she became the first of her gender to conquer the formidable Preakness field since Nellie Morse's pioneering victory way back in 1924.
Rachel Alexandra's brilliance and dominance extended far beyond her groundbreaking Preakness victory. In a powerful testament to her unparalleled talent, exceptional athleticism, and sheer dominance on the racetrack, she was not only rightfully crowned champion three-year-old filly at the Eclipse Awards but also earned the ultimate and most prestigious honor of Horse of the Year. Her decisive victories over her male rivals in highly prestigious Grade 1 events such as the Haskell Invitational and the Woodward Stakes further solidified her legendary status in the sport. Rachel Alexandra's remarkable Horse of the Year title marked the 18th significant instance of a Preakness winner achieving this recognition, powerfully underscoring the race's profound and enduring influence on the sport's highest honors and accolades.
The tradition of formally recognizing American racing champions has evolved significantly over time. Before the establishment of the unified and highly respected Eclipse Awards in 1971, the selection process for champions from 1936 to 1970 was conducted through separate and sometimes differing polls administered by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) and the influential Daily Racing Form (DRF). The subsequent formation of the Eclipse Awards, a collaborative and unifying effort between The Daily Racing Form, the National Thoroughbred Writers' Association (NTWA), and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, brought a much-needed unified and comprehensive system to the annual selection of North America's top equine athletes across all divisions. It's important to note that before 1936, no formal and consistent system for officially naming champions within American horse racing existed.
The distinguished and impressive list of Preakness Stakes victors who also earned coveted championship honors since 1937 serves as a powerful and enduring testament to the race's historical significance and its consistent production of top-tier equine talent:
The Preakness Stakes is more than just a single race; it's a vital thread in the rich tapestry of American horse racing. Its history is interwoven with the stories of legendary horses, thrilling finishes, and the dreams of owners, trainers, and jockeys striving for immortality. The strong statistical link between winning the Preakness and earning Eclipse Award honors underscores the race's significance in identifying the sport's most talented three-year-old males (and occasionally, exceptional fillies).
The roll call of Preakness champions who went on to achieve national acclaim is a powerful reminder of the high caliber of competition the race consistently attracts. From the early champions like War Admiral and Citation to the modern-day heroes such as American Pharoah and Justify, these horses have conquered the challenging mile and three-sixteenths at Pimlico and left an indelible mark on the sport. Their victories in the Preakness often serve as pivotal moments in their championship campaigns, solidifying their status as the leading contenders in their division.
The tradition of wagering on the Preakness Stakes adds another layer of excitement and engagement for fans. The fluctuations in Preakness stakes odds leading up to the race provide a fascinating barometer of public sentiment and expert analysis. While history shows that betting favorites have a strong track record in the Preakness, the allure of a potential longshot victory always lingers, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and unpredictability.
Understanding the historical trends in Preakness stakes betting, such as the success rate of favorites and the potential for significant payouts from longshots, can enhance the experience for racing enthusiasts. The stories of improbable victories at long odds often become part of the race's folklore, adding to its enduring appeal. Whether one is a seasoned handicapper or a casual observer, the betting aspect of the Preakness contributes to the overall drama and excitement of the event.
The starting gate a horse draws for the Preakness Stakes can play a crucial role in its chances of success. While the impact of post position might be debated in comparison to the Kentucky Derby, the data indicates certain trends and advantages associated with specific starting berths at Pimlico.
The historical success of post position six, coupled with the recent strong performance of post seven, highlights the potential benefits of starting in these midfield positions. Conversely, while the historical struggles of inside posts have been well-documented, recent victories from the rail suggest that talented horses can overcome this perceived disadvantage. The consistent success of outside post positions in recent decades also underscores the importance of a clean break and avoiding early traffic. Ultimately, the optimal post position can depend on various factors, including the horse's running style and the overall composition of the field, making it a key element of pre-race analysis and strategy.
The Preakness Stakes continues to captivate audiences with its rich history, the promise of witnessing future champions, the excitement of Preakness stake betting, and the strategic nuances of the race itself. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, it holds a unique place in the hearts of racing fans and remains a highly anticipated event on the annual sporting calendar. The interplay of these elements ensures that the Preakness Stakes will continue to be a source of compelling stories and unforgettable moments for future generations.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
