National Treasure Wins 148th Preakness Stakes
National Treasure won the 148th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, beating Blazing Sevens in a photo finish. This was the first Preakness win for Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez and the eighth Preakness win and 16th Triple Crown victory for trainer Bob Baffert. Mage, the favorite, finished third. The Belmont Stakes are next on Saturday, June 10.
National Treasure Takes the Lead
National Treasure immediately took the lead and stayed there for most of the race. Down the stretch, Blazing Sevens and National Treasure went head-to-head, and eventually, National Treasure pulled ahead. Mage just didn’t have the same kick that he did in the Kentucky Derby and finished third. Mage trainer Gustavo Delgado comments how slow the race was in his interview with NBC and comments how strong National Treasure was going basically wire-to-wire. The judges did call for a photo review of the finish, but National Treasure clearly beat out Blazing Sevens by a neck at the finish line.
Baffert’s Record Eighth Preakness Win
Trainer Bob Baffert won his record eighth Preakness win with National Treasure. Before the Kentucky Derby, many analysts felt good about Mage’s chances against the field of 19 other horses and included him in their picks to win. However, the two-week layoff was a significant disadvantage for the colt that no one else in the field had to face. The scratch of First Mission made the race harder for Mage, because without First Mission’s pace pressure on National Treasure, Mage may have to go with an early leader to avoid a loose-on-the-lead winner.
Keywords: National Treasure, Preakness Stakes, Bob Baffert, John Velazquez, Mage, Belmont Stakes, Blazing Sevens, Gustavo Delgado, Kentucky Derby, First Mission.
