Preakness 2015 Post Positions: Draw Start Time, Live Stream Info and More
Due to a smaller field of contenders at Pimlico, post positions aren't quite as essential to success in the Preakness Stakes as they are in the Kentucky Derby. Although, any advantage is always welcome by the race's competitors.
Since 1909, interior starting positions have been favored, and gate No. 6 has produced the most winners with a total of 16, according to Preakness.com. Oxbow most recently won from that position in 2013, while last year's winner, California Chrome, took the second leg of the Triple Crown from gate No. 3.
With hundredths of seconds often deciding the race's winner, post positions can sometimes come into play when determining the ultimate outcome for Preakness favorites. That said, the draw is always intriguing to watch. Here's a look at the event's start time and viewing information, followed by some key Preakness storylines to watch.
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2015 Preakness Stakes Post Draw Info
When: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Channel: HRTV
Live Stream: HRTV.com
Storylines to Watch
Will Weather Hinder American Pharoah's Chances?
The top storyline heading into the Preakness is American Pharoah's quest to continue his bid for the elusive Triple Crown. Achieving the coveted feat is already difficult enough, but it appears nature will be adding to the colt's obstacles.
According to Weather.com, Pimlico has a 50 percent chance to see scattered thunderstorms Saturday afternoon. If it does rain, expect to see a soaked track for the race's 6:18 p.m. ET post time.
Pharoah dealt with inclement weather earlier this year. He raced on a wet track in the Rebel Stakes, eventually winning by an impressive 6 ¼ lengths. The damp conditions didn't appear to bother the colt then, and that's a good sign for his Triple Crown aspirations. Here's a look back at his wire-to-wire victory:
It won't be quite as easy to win the Preakness under the same conditions due to a larger and far more talented field of competitors, but Pharoah's ability to glide on a wet surface is certainly encouraging.
Will Kentucky Derby Fatigue Come into Play?
This year's Kentucky Derby was a grueling race that took a lot out of the top three finishers. Still, Pharoah, Firing Line and Dortmund are all slated to compete in the Preakness, and according to Odds Shark, they are the top three favorites. But will they be able to perform at a high level after a two-week turnaround?
According to Pharoah and Dortmund's trainer Bob Baffert, via Preakness.com, the two horses have been looking good in workouts since the Derby:
"I was happy with both of them. It looks like they have kept the same energy level (as before the Kentucky Derby). American Pharoah floated over the ground and picked up his gallop the last half-mile. He wanted to do more. Dortmund got aggressive with (exercise rider) Dana (Barnes) and galloped well.
Coming out of a big race like the Derby, you don't have to do too much. It is just a matter of keeping them at the same level. The good horses are easier to train. These two are used to running a lot and coming back in two weeks is not a big concern with them.
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Following Firing Line's Monday workout, exercise rider Humberto Gomez shared his thoughts on the colt: "It was the same thing as yesterday; maybe a little slower."
There appears to be little concern surrounding any of the Derby's top three finishers, furthering the notion they will all duke it out down the final stretch once again.
Which Sleepers Are Poised to Make Noise at Pimlico?
Firing Line wasn't exactly a favorite at Churchill Downs, but that didn't stop him from running a brilliant race and finishing second. We could see more of the same at Pimlico due to a couple of interesting contenders.
Materiality didn't have a solid Kentucky Derby, finishing 7 ¾ lengths behind Pharoah in sixth place. However, when taking how the colt started into consideration, that wasn't a bad finish by any stretch of the imagination.
The Todd Pletcher-trained colt had a rough start at Churchill Downs and was the last to break from the gate. Not only did he fall behind early, but he was forced to run very wide throughout the race. Materiality showed great pace and endurance, finishing strong to place sixth. If he can break cleanly at Pimlico, he'll be dangerous in the race's small field.
Competitive Edge is another Pletcher-trained horse that comes with plenty of intrigue. He is unbeaten in four starts, most recently torching the field by 4 ½ lengths in the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs. This colt has plenty of speed; however, this will be his first race over one mile. Endurance will be key here.
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