2018 Triple Crown: 143rd Preakness Stakes May 17, 2018 by Marc Jerbs

On Saturday, the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland will host the 2nd leg of the 2018 Triple Crown, the 143rd Preakness Stakes. This is a Grade 1 stakes race with a purse of $1.5 million for three year old horses.

This is the shortest race among the three Triple Crown races and will cover a 1 3/16 miles of the race course.

2018 Kentucky Derby winner Justify will attempt to win his 2nd Triple Crown race and stay undefeated since his debut last February.

A bruised heel did stop Justify a 2.5 lengths Kentucky Derby win. This horse is in fine form and peaking at the right time. Justify, who starts at Gate 7 will have to contend and beat 7 horses on Saturday's race.

Justify will have a mixed of old and new challengers at the Preakness Stakes. Good Magic, a runner-up at the Kentucky Derby will once again run and challenge Justify. Bravazo who finished 6th and 8th placer Lone Sailor at the Kentucky Derby will also participate.

A clear and present danger for Justify are the newcomers in the race. They are Federicio Tesio Stakes winner Diamond King, Tampa Bay Derby winner Quip, Sporting Chance and Tenfold.

The horse race handicappers have installed Justify as the odds on favorite to win the 143rd Preakness Stakes on Saturday at the Pimlico Race Course.