It’s just about time for the second leg of the Triple Crown—the Preakness Stakes. 11 thoroughbred horses have made the field in the 141st running of the Preakness this weekend. But have you ever paused to think of how they made it? Read on as we take a look at the process of how to qualify for the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans. You never know; you might actually field a horse yourself in the future.
The Kentucky Derby winner—the only colt with a chance to win the Triple Crown—traditionally races in the Preakness Stakes. Some of the other horses that ran in the Derby also find their ways to Pimlico, while some would skip the second jewel of the Triple Crown only to appear in the final leg, the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness often brings in horses that didn’t run in the Derby as well.
The Preakness has a 14-horse limit. However, only 11 horses will run in this year’s Preakness. Like the Derby before it, only thoroughbreds are allowed in the race. In order to qualify in the race, these thoroughbreds have to meet qualifications.
The horses should be three years old at the time of the race. Fees will also have to be paid by teams for them to field their horses. An entry box pass costs $15,000. Another $15,000 is paid for starters. On top of paying the entry fees, there is also a weight limits for horses—126 pounds for colts and geldings.
The only horse that is assured of a spot in the Preakness is the Derby winner. He’s the only horse with a chance of winning the Triple Crown, thus his participation is a must. This year, that horse is Nyquist, who is a -175 favorite to win the race.
Going for the Triple Crown
Only Nyquist is qualified for the Triple Crown being the Derby winner. Before he even attempts to make history at the Belmont Stakes, he’ll need to first win the Preakness. He should in good condition to do so. He excels in shorter distances; the Pimlico Race Course runs only 9 ½ furlongs compared to Churchill Downs’ 10 furlongs.
Should Nyquist win the Preakness, he’ll have a very steep slope to overcome at the Belmont Stakes. Horses that have not raced in either the Derby or Preakness are eligible to race at the Belmont Stakes. Others who have raced in the Derby (such as Gun Runner, Suddenbreakingnews and Brody’s Cause) but skipped the Preakness for rest are also eligible to run in the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
As it stands, the odds of Nyquist winning the Triple Crown are set at +220.
