Seize The Grey emerged as the unexpected winner of the 149th Preakness Stakes, closing at 9-1 odds and leading wire-to-wire in the race. Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner, made a late move but ultimately finished second in the field of eight horses competing in the $2 million, 1 3/16-mile race. Despite the efforts of Mystik Dan and Imagination to catch up to Seize The Grey, the leader maintained his position and crossed the finish line first. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, at 88 years old, set a record as the oldest trainer to win the Preakness, marking his seventh victory in the race and coming just one win shy of Bob Baffert’s record.
The original favorite for the race, Muth trained by Baffert, was scratched due to a high fever, leading to Mystik Dan becoming the new favorite in the competition. Mystik Dan, with odds of 5-2 opening and eventually closing at 2-1, aimed to become the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018. Following his victory in the Kentucky Derby, there were initially doubts about Mystik Dan’s participation in the Preakness, but ownership ultimately decided to proceed with the race. Lukas, renowned for his extensive history with the Preakness, has saddled a total of 48 horses in the race since his debut in 1980. In this year’s race, he had two entries, with Just Steel finishing fifth, while Baffert, returning to the scene after a suspension, had a victory last year with National Treasure.
The anticipation now shifts to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, set to take place at Saratoga Race Course on June 8. Baffert, who missed his third consecutive Kentucky Derby due to suspension, is expected to return to Churchill Downs in 2025. The outcome of the Preakness sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Triple Crown series, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the world of horse racing. Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press have contributed to this report, presenting ongoing updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for more information and insights on the latest developments in the world of horse racing and the Triple Crown series.
