Preakness 2014 Contenders: Race-Day Overview for Entire Field and Undercard
Despite the rain that came down hard on Pimlico Race Course Friday, Mother Nature is giving the 2014 Preakness Stakes and its contenders a break with beautiful weather on tap for Saturday’s main event.
While California Chrome is stealing all the headlines with his pursuit of the Triple Crown, several other top contenders are looking to shock the horse racing world and win the Preakness.
Here is the vital viewing information and full lineup for Saturday’s race.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore
When: Saturday, May 17
Post Time: 6:19 p.m. ET
TV: NBC (coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. ET)
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
| 1 | Dynamic Impact | Miguel Mena | 12-1 | $26.00 |
| 2 | General a Rod | Javier Castellano | 15-1 | $32.00 |
| 3 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza | 3-5 | $3.20 |
| 4 | Ring Weekend | Alan Garcia | 20-1 | $42.00 |
| 5 | Bayern | Rosie Napravnik | 10-1 | $22.00 |
| 6 | Ria Antonia | Calvin Borel | 30-1 | $62.00 |
| 7 | Kid Cruz | Julian Pimentel | 20-1 | $42.00 |
| 8 | Social Inclusion | Luis Contreras | 5-1 | $12.00 |
| 9 | Pablo Del Monte | Jeffrey Sanchez | 20-1 | $42.00 |
| 10 | Ride On Curlin | Joel Rosario | 10-1 | $22.00 |
Now that you've seen all the details about the field in the Preakness Stakes, here is a full schedule of races that are expected to take place on Saturday.
| 1 | 10:45 a.m. | Bonus Purse | -- |
| 2 | 11:14 a.m. | Bonus Purse | -- |
| 3 | 11:43 a.m. | Allowance Stakes | -- |
| 4 | 12:16 p.m. | The Deputed Testamony Starter Handicap | $25,000 |
| 5 | 12:53 p.m. | The James Murphy Stakes | $100,000 |
| 6 | 1:33 p.m. | Maryland Sprint Handicap (G3) | $100,000 |
| 7 | 2:15 p.m. | William Donald Schaefer Stakes (G3) | $100,000 |
| 8 | 2:57 p.m. | AllaireDupont Distaff Stakes (G3) | $100,000 |
| 9 | 3:39 p.m. | Gallorette Handicap (G3) | $100,000 |
| 10 | 4:22 p.m. | Chick Lang Stakes (G3) | $100,000 |
| 11 | 5:07 p.m. | Dixie Stakes (G2) | $200,000 |
| 12 | 6:18 p.m. | Preakness Stakes (G1) | $1,000,000 |
| 13 | 7:14 p.m. | TBA | TBA |
Underrated Contender: Bayern
While it is clear that California Chrome is the horse that everyone wants to talk about leading into the Preakness Stakes, several other horses have the speed and strength to make a run at a victory on Saturday.
The biggest threat to California Chrome’s Triple Crown chances is Bayern.
After running to a strong third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, the horse followed it up with an even better second-place finish at the Kentucky Derby trial. While he did not run in the Derby, Bayern is rested and ready to make his impact now.
Led by legendary trainer Bob Baffert, Bayern has the natural skill and guidance to contend for a win on Saturday. Add in his starting spot in post No. 5, and this horse will have the opportunity to get an early lead and never relinquish it.
Baffert told Jay Privman of Daily Racing Form, via Sporting News, about California Chrome’s momentum and Bayern’s ability to stop the Triple Crown attempt:
"California Chrome is obviously the horse to beat. He’s a good horse, and he’s in the zone. He races close to the lead, so he stays out of trouble. That gives him a big edge. Bayern isn’t a Belmont-type of a horse, so if we’re going to run in a Triple Crown race, this is it. Does he have distance limitations, or will he go on? That’s what we’re going to find out in the Preakness. We’re taking a shot.
"
Not only does Bayern have incredible physical gifts and the assistance of a five-time Preakness Stakes-winning trainer, but he also has a budding relationship with one of the best jockeys in the sport, Rosie Napravnik.
Jeannine Edwards of ESPN talked about just how good Napravnik has been with Baffert:
Napravnik is one of the best jockeys in horse racing, but she likes to get out front early and avoid traffic. With Bayern drawing the favorable No. 5 post, it will be imperative that Napravnik gets her mount out of the gates fast and takes an early path to the front.
With rain coming down hard at Pimlico on Friday, the faster Bayern gets to the front of the pack and stays away from the mud in his face, the better his chance of taking home the victory in the Preakness Stakes.
Predicted Finish: Second
*Stats via HorseRacingNation.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
