Preakness Stakes centerpiece of Pimlico stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The 136th running of the $1 million Preakness Stakes tops the 2011 stakes schedule for the Pimlico Race Course spring meet. The second jewel of racing's Triple Crown will be held Saturday, May 21.

A total of 22 stakes worth $2.9 million will be conducted during the meet that begins Friday, April 1. The 29-day meeting will conclude on Preakness Day.

"Having a strong stakes schedule during the Pimlico meet is vital for our success," said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. "The Preakness weekend experience is strengthened with the return of the Distaff and the purse increase for the Black-Eyed Susan. We are working hard to increase the profile of the entire week, not just focusing on the third Saturday in May."

The Preakness Stakes program will have nine stakes races, including the return of the Allaire duPont Distaff. The Distaff was not held in 2010 because of a purse shortage.

On Friday, May 20 the $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for three-year-old fillies highlights a race card that includes seven stakes races, The Black- Eyed Susan is receiving a purse boost of $100,000.

Lookin At Lucky won last year's Preakness on his way to being voted champion three-year-old male. In 2009 eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra won the 1 3/16-mile classic and in 2008 Big Brown captured the race and was honored as champion three-year-old colt.