The weather forecast for the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course couldn't be much better with sunshine, low humidity, and afternoon temperatures in the mid-60s.
The 13-race Saturday program kicks off at 10:45 a.m. EDT, with the Preakness, race 12, set for 6:18 p.m. The main track will be listed fast, but the Maryland Jockey Club said only stakes will remain on the turf, which is rated good to begin the day.
The grass stakes on the card are the Longines Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT), Gallorette Stakes (gr. IIIT), James W. Murphy Stakes, and The Very One Stakes. Races one, three, and four will move to the main track.
The Baltimore area received more than an inch of rain May 16, which led the MJC to take all races off the turf that afternoon. The dirt surface was sloppy for about half the program but was upgraded to fast for the remaining races.
As of 8:30 a.m. the Preakness field remains intact with 10 starters, with Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner California Chrome the 3-5 morning-line favorite.