The Preakness future wager kicks off Saturday and runs until shortly before the May 2 Kentucky Derby.
The $85 million transaction will give Churchill Downs control of all trademarks and associated rights of the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.
Taj Mahal, dominant winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes Saturday, will be pointed to the Grade 1 Preakness, his connections said.
Spots in the Preakness are on the line in a pair of Saturday races, the Federico Tesio at Laurel and the Bathhouse Row at Oaklawn Park.
Talkin, twice graded stakes-placed, is expected to make his next start in the Grade 1 Preakness, according to trainer Danny Gargan.
The Pre-Preakness party, hosted by America’s Best Racing, will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation.
With the Preakness taking place at Laurel Park this year, 1/ST Racing said it would limit attendance to 4,800.
“I told myself I was fully prepared to hate-bet, hate-watch, and hopefully hate-cash on Sovereignty. But there was no joy as he crossed the wire in front.”
With no Kentucky Derby winner involved, television ratings for Saturday’s 150th Preakness Stakes declined 16% versus last year.
The current version of Pimlico had its swan song — and one more great moment — Saturday. Here’s one reporter’s take on its greatest.