Churchill Downs’s purchase of the Preakness IP rights has some fearing the worst, others hoping for the best, and could mean not much at all.
The Belinda Stronach era of Maryland racing ends with neither a bang nor a whimper, but a “what just happened?”
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.”