Preakness Is Even More Wide Open Than Derby

Big Brown coasts to victory in last year's Preakness under Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux. This year, the middle leg of the Triple Crown will not feature a prohibitive favorite, especially after Mine That Bird lit up the board in yesterday's Kentucky Derby. (Photo courtesy of Daily Racing Form)

In recent years, the Preakness Stakes has been nothing more than a prelude to a much-hyped and anticipated Belmont Stakes, with seven horses in the last twelve years leaving Baltimore's Pimlico Racecourse with a shot at the Triple Crown looming in New York.

This year, the 134th edition of the Preakness looks like it could be a lackluster one, as the top three finishers in yesterday's Kentucky Derby have yet to commit to running next Saturday in Baltimore. Winner Mine That Bird and runner-up Pioneerof The Nile are possibilities according to their trainers, and third-place finisher Musket Man is also "under consideration," says trainer Derek Ryan. So far, the only confirmed starter on May 16th will be Take The Points, who will go for trainer Todd Pletcher, whose three horses in the derby each failed to hit the board, making America's hottest trainer 0-for-24 in the Run for the Roses.