Posted by TroubleMaker in 
The Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, has been running since 1873(according to Wikipedia) two years before the first Kentucky Derby. It has been staged at Pimlico since 1909. Many of the games immortals, both human and equine have participated in the Preakness Stakes.
The Horses
The Preakness, being the second leg of the Triple Crown, the most vaunted and valued prize in thoroughbred racing, is a race with the eyes of the world upon it. As always(unless the horse was injured)The Kentucky Derby winner is in the field. Only eleven horse have won the Triple Crown, from the majestic War Admiral, the perfection of Citation to the utter brilliance of Secretariat. Since 1997 with Silver Charm, seven Kentucky Derby winners have won the Preakness, only to be denied in New York at Belmont Park. Among that group, horsemen are torn as to who was the best, Smarty Jones or Big Brown. Taking a peek in the crystal ball for 2011, there is a lot of buzz around Uncle Mo, the two-year-old champion. Trained by Todd Pletcher, many believe Uncle Mo has the talent and speed to make a serious run at the Triple Crown. Not to leave out the ladies, five fillies have won the Preakness Stakes. In 2009, Rachel Alexandra was the first filly to win in 85 years, since Nellie Morse took the Back-Eyed Susans in 1924.
Trainers
Outside the horses, the trainers are the most integral component in the game. It is they who must nurture and pace their horses through the grueling and taxing Triple Crown trail. The early days of the Preakness Stakes were dominated by R. Wyndham Walden, who still holds the record for most Preakness wins, seven. Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons has four, but what a four it was; Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox and Omaha and two great sires in Nashua and Bold Ruler. In recent years the Preakness Stakes has been dominated by D. Wayne Lucas and Bob Baffert, both with five wins. Baffert won the 2010 edition with Lookin At Lucky.