Soggy Start to Preakness Day
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Photo: Rick Samuels
Steady rain fell Preakness morning May 21
It was a soggy start to Preakness day as steady to hard rain fell at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland, and more of the same was forecast throughout the day May 21.
The main track was sealed—packed down so rain would drain off surface—following the 5-6 a.m. EDT training hours that were limited due to the early post time for the Xpressbet.com Preakness Stakes (gr. I) card. While the track was open, Lani jogged once and walked once around, according to the Preakness notes team. Most of the other Preakness horses walked around their barns.
Nyquist, the undefeated champion who stood at 4-5 odds as of Saturday morning, walked the shedrow and all was reported good at Team O’Neill’s barn.
Maryland Jockey Club spokesman Dave Joseph said about a half-inch of rain was expected Saturday, with heavier amounts mid-morning and then light rain or drizzle in the afternoon. As of 7 a.m., the Pimlico turf course was rated firm, but that would likely change with more precipitation.
Joseph said the main effect of the weather on attendance would be the infield crowd.
In other Preakness odds on the start of Preakness day, Exaggerator was 9-5 and Stradavari the 7-1 third choice, followed by Collected (13-1), Cherry Wine (21-1), Lani (25-1), Abiding Star (30-1), Uncle Lino (40-1), Awesome Speed (45-1), Fellowship (50-1), and Loaban (60-1).