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The Competitive Landscape<\/h2>\n
The Preakness Stakes features seasoned trainers like **D. Wayne Lukas** and **Bob Baffert**, who together boast an astonishing 15 combined victories. Baffert, known for his outstanding track record, jokingly remarked to McCarthy that \u201cit\u2019s your race to lose,\u201d signaling the pressure that comes from being the favorite.<\/p>\n
Mark Casse, another prominent trainer, acknowledged Journalism as the horse to beat. He emphasized, \u201cEverybody\u2019s got to beat Journalism.\u201d Casse\u2019s own horse, **Sandman**, is among the contenders and is anticipated to put up a strong fight. Having suffered setbacks during the Derby, Sandman aims for redemption with jockey **John Velazquez** onboard.<\/p>\n
Analysis of the Racetrack Conditions<\/h2>\n
Preparing for the race, **Baltimore** faced a week of rain, which mucked up the dirt track at Pimlico. However, as race day approaches, the conditions are expected to improve. After galloping through muddy conditions in the Derby, McCarthy expressed his hope for a better track come Saturday.<\/p>\n
While the Preakness is slightly shorter at **1 3\/16 miles** compared to the Derby\u2019s 1 1\/4 miles, the change in distance could impact the horses\u2019 performances. Lukas pointed out that Journalism is beatable, suggesting that the unique race dynamics might provide an opportunity for other contenders to shine.<\/p>\n
The Influence of Preakness Stakes History<\/h2>\n
The Preakness Stakes is notorious for its **chaotic** nature, often leading to unexpected outcomes. The last horse to win the Preakness after running in the Kentucky Derby was **War of Will** in 2019, establishing a trend that McCarthy’s Journalism aims to defy.<\/p>\n
In previous years, a horse like **Rombauer**, trained by McCarthy, pulled an upset victory at odds of 11-1. This added pressure amplifies expectations for Journalism, further intensifying the competitive atmosphere of the Preakness Stakes.<\/p>\n
New Contenders entering the Race<\/h2>\n
New faces in the Preakness include horses trained by *Todd Pletcher*, *Steve Asmussen*, and *Jamie Osborn*. The presence of these talented entrants adds another layer of intrigue to the race. For instance, **River Thames** is starting as a 9-2 shot, and **Clever Again** is at 5-1. However, Pletcher is still seeking his first Preakness victory, making this an important race for him.<\/p>\n
The Final Countdown to Race Day<\/h2>\n
As the race day approaches, all eyes will be on **Journalism** and his ability to deliver on the expectations set by trainers and fans alike. Michael McCarthy remains optimistic, stating, \u201cI have a lot of confidence in my horse.\u201d His high hopes for Journalism\u2019s performance is palpable and sets the stage for what could be a historic race.<\/p>\n
Overall, the **Preakness Stakes** promises to be an exhilarating event. With seasoned professionals and up-and-coming horses colliding on a legendary track, the outcome remains unpredictable. Whether Journalism will maintain his status as the favorite remains to be seen, as all contenders prepare for battle on Saturday. Expect a breathtaking display of talent, strategy, and perhaps a few surprises as the belt for **Triple Crown** glory continues!<\/p>\n
This content summarizes the essential aspects of the upcoming Preakness Stakes while maintaining SEO-best practices and providing an engaging narrative about the event and its contenders.<\/p>\n