Key Facts
- Announcement
- Date of 2027 Preakness Stakes to be revealed Wednesday by Gov. Wes Moore and Maryland Jockey Club
- Speculation
- Preakness may move from two to three weeks after Kentucky Derby
- Recent Derby winner absence
- Golden Tempo became second Derby winner in a row and third in five years not to run in Preakness
- Belmont Stakes date
- Set for June 5 at Belmont Park
- Preakness location
- 2027 Preakness to return to Pimlico Race Course after one-time stop at Laurel Park
- Pimlico reconstruction
- Full reconstruction expected by spring 2028
Background
The date of the 2027 Preakness Stakes is set to be revealed on Wednesday by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club, according to an Associated Press report.
There has been speculation about the Preakness moving back from two to three weeks after the Kentucky Derby to get more horses from the Triple Crown opener to run in the second leg. Golden Tempo became the second Derby winner in a row and third in five years not to take part.
Current Situation
The Belmont Stakes staying on the first Saturday in June for next year could extend the troubles of the condensed calendar for at least one more Triple Crown season. The return of the race to Belmont Park is set for June 5, as part of a new 3-year-old championship series that includes the Derby, the Belmont and races into the summer and possibly early fall.
For at least 2027, that series does not include the 152nd rendition of the Preakness, which is set to take place back at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore following a one-time stop at Laurel Park. Full reconstruction of the new Pimlico is expected to be completed by the spring of 2028, officials have said.
| Year | Derby Winner | Participated in Preakness |
|---|---|---|
| Recent | Golden Tempo | No |
| Previous year | Unnamed | No |
| Five years ago | Unnamed | No |
Impacts
The announcement on Wednesday could affect the participation of top horses in the Preakness. If the race is moved to three weeks after the Kentucky Derby, more Derby runners may choose to compete, potentially increasing the field quality.
The condensed calendar, with the Belmont Stakes remaining on the first Saturday in June, may continue to limit the number of horses that run in both the Preakness and the Belmont. This could impact the prestige and competitiveness of the Triple Crown series.
The eventual return of the Preakness to Pimlico Race Course, after a one-time stop at Laurel Park, is expected to be a significant event for Baltimore. The full reconstruction of Pimlico is slated for completion by spring 2028, which may influence the race's future scheduling and fan experience.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Preakness date is moved to three weeks after the Kentucky Derby, it could align better with the Belmont Stakes, potentially creating a more cohesive Triple Crown season. However, the Belmont's fixed date on the first Saturday in June may still pose scheduling challenges.
Should the 2027 Preakness remain at two weeks after the Derby, the trend of Derby winners skipping the race may continue, as seen with Golden Tempo. This could prompt further discussions about the race's timing in the future.
Once the new Pimlico is fully reconstructed by spring 2028, the Preakness may see enhanced facilities and increased attendance, but the exact impact on the race's date and field remains unclear.
Source: foxbaltimore.com
