Preakness Day Festivities Outside Baltimore

Sam Houston Race Park will open at 9 a.m., just in time for the first post at Pimlico at 9:30 a.m. (CST). The racetrack will host a $2,000 Preakness Stakes handicapping contest. Contestants will be asked to make win and place selections from the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, Shuvee Handicap at Belmont and the Early Times Mint Julep at Churchill Downs. Cash prizes will be awarded to the seven contestants with the highest total payout from win and place selections. The top finisher in the Preakness Stakes Handicapping Contest will receive the grand prize of $1,000. In addition, patrons are invited to attend a free Preakness handicapping seminar at 4:00 p.m. on the club level stage in the main grandstand. The panel will include Sam Houston Race Park handicappers Reid McLellan and Michael Chamberlain. For those fans unable to attend the simulcast of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, Sam Houston Race Park will offer advance wagering on the Preakness Stakes on Friday, May 17 beginning at 11:00 a.m....Thistledown will also offer advance wagering, plus a $1,000 Pick the Preakness contest on Preakness Day. The track opens at 9:30 a.m. and offers brunch, a lunchtime barbeque, and other events. Call 216/662-8600 for information.