Mystik Dan faces formidable competition from top contenders trained by renowned names like Bob Baffert, Brad Cox, and Chad Brown. Among them are Imagination, Catching Freedom, and Tuscan Gold, posing significant challenges in the quest for victory. Additionally, the Preakness Stakes might unfold on a muddy track, adding another layer of complexity to the race.
Rain poured down at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown hours before Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan vies for consecutive Triple Crown triumphs in the Preakness Stakes, facing off against seven formidable competitors.
If successful, Mystik Dan would follow in the footsteps of Justify in 2018, becoming the first horse since then to clinch victories in both the Derby and the Preakness. Such an achievement would pave the way for an extraordinary and historic spectacle next month, with the possibility of a Triple Crown bid at the Belmont Stakes.
However, Mystik Dan's path to glory is fraught with challenges, as he must outpace rivals trained by renowned figures such as Bob Baffert's Imagination, Brad Cox's Catching Freedom, and Chad Brown's Tuscan Gold, who pose significant threats to his aspirations. Moreover, the Preakness may unfold on a sodden track, with persistent showers forecasted to persist throughout the afternoon, adding an additional layer of unpredictability to the competition.
At what time does Preakness 2024 commence?
The post time for the race is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET, with NBC's coverage beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. Alternatively, viewers can stream the event on Peacock.
Originally, Bob Baffert intended to field two horses in the race, scheduled to start just after 7 p.m. EDT. However, the morning line favorite, Muth, was withdrawn from the race earlier in the week due to a fever. As a result, Mystik Dan emerged as the 3-1 favorite on Saturday, with Catching Freedom and Tuscan Gold close behind at 7-2 each, and Imagination trailing slightly at 9-2.
Reflecting on the competition, Mystik Dan's trainer, Kenny McPeek, remarked, “Catching Freedom trained really well going into the Derby. He’s a very nice horse. And Bob, he wouldn’t bring a horse without it being a good horse, and Chad’s also got a horse coming out of (finishing third behind winner Catching Freedom in) the Louisiana Derby. Yeah, it's not a given.”