Everything You Need To Know About The Preakness Stakes

Are you ready for a thrilling day of horse racing? The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. Taking place annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, this spectacular race attracts horse racing enthusiasts from all over. If you're planning to watch this exciting event, there are some essential details you need to know to ensure you don't miss a moment of the action!

The official start time of the Preakness Stakes can often be a bit tricky to pin down, as it has been known to change. Various times have been suggested, but they're usually within a 15-minute window. Ultimately, the race's start time is decided by NBC, the network broadcasting the event.

For viewers in Los Angeles, the gates will likely open at 4:01 PM, which translates to 7:01 PM in Baltimore. If you're in the Central time zone, like Chicago, the start time will be at 6:01 PM, while those in the Mountain time zone, such as Denver, should tune in at 5:01 PM. It's always a good idea to start watching about 15 minutes early, as weather conditions can cause last-minute changes to the schedule.

The Preakness Stakes is not just about the race itself; it's a whole day filled with exciting events! If you're a true racing fan, you can catch early coverage starting with FanDuel TV at 7:30 AM in Los Angeles or 10:30 AM in Baltimore. Additionally, CNBC will begin coverage at 10:30 AM in Los Angeles and 1:30 PM in Baltimore, leading up to NBC's coverage that starts at 1:30 PM PDT. Fans can also stream the entire day live on Peacock, ensuring you won't miss a single moment of the action!

As the day unfolds at Pimlico, there will be numerous stakes races to keep an eye on. Here’s the schedule you won't want to miss:

• 10:28 AM: Chick Lang Stakes
• 11:08 AM: Gallorette Stakes
• 11:48 AM: Maryland Sprint Stakes
• 12:30 PM: James W. Murphy Stakes
• 1:10 PM: Sir Barton Stakes
• 1:53 PM: Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes
• 2:52 PM: Dinner Party Stakes
• 4:01 PM: Preakness Stakes

In closing, if the horse Mystik Dan secures a victory, it could set the stage for a potential Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes, which will take place at Saratoga this year in just three weeks. So, get your calendars marked and prepare for a day filled with excitement!