In a stunning upset, Seize the Grey won the Preakness Stakes, ending Mystik Dan’s Triple Crown bid. The 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, captured his seventh victory in the race, just one shy of the record held by his friend Bob Baffert. Seize the Grey took advantage of the muddy track, going wire to wire to win the race and impressing Lukas with his performance. Mystik Dan finished second, falling short of going back-to-back after winning the Kentucky Derby by a nose. Trainer Kenny McPeek expressed pride in his colt despite the loss.
Seize the Grey’s victory was unexpected given the tougher competition at the Preakness compared to his previous race in the Pat Day Mile. However, with Lukas’ long history of success in the race, it should come as no surprise when one of his horses emerges victorious. The victory was particularly special for MyRacehorse, the group of 2,570 owners who share ownership of Seize the Grey. The horse paid $21.60 to win, delivering a satisfying return for his supporters. Baffert, who was seeking his ninth Preakness victory, fell short with his horse Imagination finishing seventh.
The absence of morning-line favorite Muth due to illness made Mystik Dan the favorite, but he could not replicate his successful Derby trip, finishing a head behind the winner. Seize the Grey’s jockey, Jaime Torres, rode in his first Triple Crown race and expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. The Preakness held at Pimlico Race Course marked the last race at the historic track before demolition begins. The 150th running of the Preakness will take place next year amid construction. The Belmont Stakes, normally held at Belmont Park, will move to Saratoga Race Course for the first time and will be shortened to 1 1/4 miles due to the shape of the course. Kentucky Derby second-place finisher Sierra Leone is expected to headline the field, with a decision pending on whether Seize the Grey will also compete.
Overall, Seize the Grey’s impressive victory at the Preakness Stakes showcased the continued success and skill of trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Despite his age, Lukas remains a formidable presence in the horse racing world, capturing yet another major race win. The unexpected outcome of the race added excitement and intrigue to the Triple Crown series, setting the stage for potential future showdowns among top contenders. The upcoming changes to the locations and format of the Triple Crown races add a new dynamic to the competition, creating opportunities for different horses and trainers to shine. The Preakness victory for Seize the Grey and Lukas serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the enduring passion of those involved in the sport.
