Excitement of 2024 Preakness Stakes: Start Time and TV Channel?

The 149th Preakness Stakes is set to run this Saturday, with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan being the focal point. Racing fans are eager to see if he will become the first Triple Crown contender in six years.

Mystik Dan’s chances improved significantly earlier this week when Muth, who was the favorite to win the Preakness, had to withdraw due to a fever. Muth had previously defeated Mystik Dan in the Arkansas Derby in March, creating a rare scenario where the Kentucky Derby winner wasn’t the favorite for the Preakness.

Among the other top contenders are Catching Freedom (6-1), who finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, just 0.4 seconds behind in a tight three-way finish. Another strong competitor is Imagination (6-1), trained by Bob Baffert, who holds the record for the most Preakness wins with eight, including last year’s victory with National Treasure.

The horses may also have to deal with challenging weather conditions. Forecasts predict rain on Saturday, with up to half an inch expected and the possibility of thunderstorms. Temperatures are anticipated to drop into the upper 50s.

NBC is hoping for high viewership numbers for the Preakness, following the Kentucky Derby’s impressive average of 16.7 million viewers—the largest audience for the race since 1989. Apart from football and the NCAA women’s basketball national championship, the Derby outdrew every other sporting event this year according to Sports Media Watch.

What time does the Preakness Stakes start?

NBC’s live coverage of the event will commence at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with Mike Tirico serving as the host. The race is scheduled to start at 6:47 p.m. and can be streamed on Peacock, the NBC Sports App, and NBCSports.com. Initial coverage will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on CNBC.

Event Detail:

• Date: Saturday, May 18
• Location: Pimlico Racecourse, Baltimore
• Post Time: 7:01 p.m. Eastern (Race 13 of 14)
• Host: Mike Tirico
• Race Caller: Larry Collmus
• Television: NBC
• Streaming: Available on the NBC Sports app (cable authentication required) and Peacock (subscription required)

Mike Tirico will be hosting the event, joined by analysts Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey, as well as handicapper Matt Bernier and a team of reporters.

Joining the broadcast is MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki, who humorously acknowledged his less-than-stellar Kentucky Derby pick. He chose Just Steel, who finished 17th out of 20 horses. Kornacki had openly admitted he was picking with his heart, highlighting that he had only picked one Derby winner in the past decade, and that winner was later disqualified.

For the Preakness, Kornacki claims he’s using his head instead of his heart, but still finds himself backing the underdog, Just Steel, to win on Saturday in Baltimore

Stakes Races Throughout the Day

• 10:28 a.m. – Chick Lang Stakes
• 11:08 a.m. – Gallorette Stakes
• 11:48 a.m. – Maryland Sprint Stakes
• 12:30 p.m. – James W. Murphy Stakes
• 1:10 p.m. – Sir Barton Stakes
• 1:53 p.m. – Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes
• 2:52 p.m. – Dinner Party Stakes
• 4:01 p.m. – Preakness Stakes

Here are the eight horses and their odds of winning:

• Mugatu (20-1)
• Uncle Heavy (20-1)
• Catching Freedom (6-1)
• Muth (scratched)
• Mystik Dan (5-2)
• Seize the Grey (15-1)
• Just Steel (15-1)
• Tuscan Gold (8-1)
• Imagination (6-1)

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The Triple Crown Winners: A Legacy of Excellence

In the illustrious history of horse racing, only a select few have achieved the pinnacle of success known as the Triple Crown. This prestigious title is reserved for horses that triumph in three of the most iconic races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Among these legendary champions, two stand out: Justify and American Pharoah.

Justify: A Modern Marvel

In 2018, Justify etched his name into the annals of racing history. As the 13th horse to claim the Triple Crown, he carried the weight of tradition and expectation. His powerful stride and unwavering determination propelled him to victory in each of the three races. Justify’s lineage was equally impressive; he descended from a lineage of greatness, including the incomparable Secretariat (1973) and Count Fleet (1943).

The Triple Crown journey began at the Kentucky Derby, where Justify surged ahead, leaving his competitors in awe. Next came the Preakness Stakes, held at the Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore. Despite challenging weather conditions, Justify conquered the muddy track and secured his second jewel. Finally, the Belmont Stakes awaited—a grueling 1.5-mile test of stamina. Justify’s resolute spirit carried him across the finish line, completing the Triple Crown sweep.

American Pharoah: Breaking the Drought

Three years prior to Justify’s triumph, American Pharoah electrified the racing world. In 2015, he shattered a 37-year Triple Crown drought, becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to achieve this remarkable feat. But American Pharoah didn’t stop there; he went beyond the Triple Crown, capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic—a feat no horse had accomplished before. His victory marked the modern Grand Slam, solidifying his status as a true legend.

American Pharoah’s silky stride and unyielding spirit endeared him to fans worldwide. His dominance was evident at the Kentucky Derby, where he surged to victory, followed by a commanding performance in the Preakness Stakes. The Belmont Stakes witnessed history as American Pharoah glided effortlessly over the grueling distance, sealing his place in racing lore.

A Legacy Carved in Hoofprints

Justify and American Pharoah—two extraordinary horses, separated by a mere three years, yet forever linked by their Triple Crown achievements. Their legacy extends beyond the racetrack; it embodies the spirit of determination, the pursuit of excellence, and the thrill of witnessing greatness. As racing enthusiasts, we eagerly await the next contender who will chase the elusive Triple Crown, adding another chapter to this timeless saga.

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