Preakness Stakes 2018: Justify Wins Neck-And-Neck

BALTIMORE, MD — Justify won the Preakness Stakes 2018. "He's just got that 'it' factor," said jockey Mike Smith in an NBC interview. Justify was the heavy favorite for the 1 and 3/16-mile muddy race, following a picturesque victory at the Kentucky Derby. His time was 1:55.93 and he has a perfect record.

They raced through the dense fog in a wet, sloppy mess due to heavy rains that have had Baltimore under a flood watch for days, ending Saturday morning. This was the 143rd annual Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown. The race follows the Kentucky Derby and precedes the Belmont Stakes.

Justify held an early lead, with Good Magic catching up and holding head-to-head for a good portion of the race. Good Magic had the advantage, being on the inside. Justify pulled ahead in the end winning in a tight race into the finish line.

The Preakness is commonly referred to as "The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" because a blanket made of the Maryland state flower is draped over the winning horse.

Pimlico saw 134,487 in attendance. Daily events, many of which have become tradition, were planned around the race.

Champion and #KyDerby runner-up Good Magic heading out to train at #Pimlico for #Preakness pic.twitter.com/7cyQ0q70N1
— Nicole Russo (@DRFRusso) May 16, 2018

The first Preakness contender to arrive at Pimlico was Good Magic, who got settled in on Monday. Kentucky Derby winner Justify arrived at Baltimore Washington International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, The Baltimore Sun reports.

See the live stream here:

Here are the contenders in the Preakness Stakes: Justify, Bravazo, Good Magic, Quip, Tenfold, Diamond King, Sporting Chance and Lone Sailor. Post positions were drawn Wednesday.

Preakness 2018 Odds (updated)

Justify is the heavy favorite this year. The first horse in 136 years to win the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a 2-year-old colt, Justify broke the Curse of Apollo, SI reported.

1. Quip (11:1)
2. Lone Sailor (12:1)
3. Sporting Chance (22:1)
4. Diamond King (19:1)
5. Good Magic (5:1)
6. Tenfold (25:1)
7. Justify (1:5)
8. Bravazo (14:1)

Ways To Celebrate Preakness Week

New this year are glass climate-controlled structures that will make up the Preakness Village, located on the infield near the Winner's Circle.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

• Preakness Stakes
  • Gates open at 8 a.m. and the races run to 7 p.m.
  • Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore
  • The Preakness is one-and-3/16 miles on the dirt track. There's a $1.5 million purse. The race starts at 6:48 p.m.
  • Fourteen races are planned throughout the day, the first starting at 10:30 a.m.
  • Facility admission is $40, and prices range from $75 for a clubhouse seat to $720 for premium access.
  • NBC Sports will be broadcasting from 2:30 to 5 and NBC will carry the race from 5 to 7 p.m. The race will also be streamed online by NBC Sports.
• Budweiser InfieldFest
  • Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore
  • This marks the 10th annual daylong party known as InfieldFest. The musical lineup includes Frank Walker (1-2 p.m.), ODESZA (2-3 p.m.), 21 Savage (3:15-4:15 p.m.), Post Malone (4:15-5:15 p.m.) and Vice (5:15-8 p.m.) performing at the center of the race track.
  • Tickets start at $100 and run to $225 for VIP lounge access.

Special Donut For Preakness

The Dunkin’ Donuts in the greater Baltimore region have brought back its Black-Eyed Susan Donut. The local favorite is available now through May 20 at participating Baltimore-area Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. The donut is a yeast shell, frosted with yellow icing and topped with chocolate sprinkles and a dollop of chocolate buttercream.

“The Black-Eyed Susan donut has become a staple in our Baltimore-area restaurants this time of year,” said Colleen Krygiel, Integrated Marketing Manager, Dunkin’ Donuts. “The donut is the perfect way for Dunkin’ Donuts to honor and celebrate the second leg of the Triple Crown in Maryland and we love bringing it back year after year.”

SEE ALSO:

• Preakness InfieldFest Lineup Announced For 2018
• Preakness Sets Attendance Record For 2017 Races: Maryland Jockey Club

Pictured, Cloud Computing #2 ridden by Javier Castellano (L) beats Classic Empire #5 ridden by Julien Leparoux to win the 142nd Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)