Everything You Need to Know About the Preakness: Start Time, Betting Odds, and More
Historic Preakness Stakes Set to Take Place Amidst Notable Absences
The Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, Maryland, is poised for a noteworthy run this weekend despite the absence of a potential triple crown contender. The race is scheduled to begin at 4:01 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo will not participate in the Preakness, as trainer Cherie DeVaux cited insufficient recovery time following the Derby. “The schedule was too tight for Golden Tempo, with two weeks between races,” DeVaux explained.
In contrast, trainer Brittany Russell is gearing up for a strong showing with her horse, Taj Mahal. A victory for Russell would make her the first female trainer to win the Preakness, further extending an impressive narrative of female empowerment within a traditionally male-dominated sport. "It would sort of feel like probably a fairy tale,” Russell remarked about the prospect of winning. “It would mean an awful lot.”
Taj Mahal is listed at favorable odds, alongside competitors such as Iron Honor, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt, who are all expected to challenge for the title. Iron Honor, starting from the ninth post position, is currently the slight favorite at 9-2. Taj Mahal, positioned in post No. 1, is closely behind at 5-1. Additionally, Taj Mahal boasts a track record of success at Laurel Park, having won three previous races at the venue.
As the Preakness Stakes approaches, the implications of both the race outcomes and the ongoing challenges for female trainers in horse racing remain significant. With Russell’s ambitions to make history, the event promises to deliver excitement and inspiration alike.
