Results of the Preakness: The second leg of the 2023 Triple Crown has concluded. The National Treasure emerged as the victor while jockey John Velazquez claimed his inaugural triumph at the esteemed Preakness Stakes. Under the guidance of trainer Bob Baffert, National Treasure swiftly surged ahead early in the race and managed to fend off a late surge by Blazing Sevens. He triumphed by the slimmest of margins.
Mage, the victor of the Kentucky Derby, encountered some obstacles early on but ultimately secured a commendable third-place finish. Enthusiastic racing fans will have to wait at least another year to witness a contender for the legendary Triple Crown.
Final Preakness 2023 Results and Prize Money
- National Treasure – $900,000
- Blazing Sevens – $300,000
- Mage – $165,000
- Red Route One – $90,000
- Chase the Chaos – $45,000
- Perform
- Coffeewithchris
- Scratched – First Mission
2023 Preakness $2 Payouts (Win, Place, Show)
- National Treasure: $7.80, $4, $2.60
- Blazing Sevens: $5, $2.80
- Mage: $2.40
Unlike last year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby had an opportunity to continue the streak through the first two legs of the Triple Crown. However, the team behind last year’s champion, Rich Strike, made the decision to forgo the Preakness and focus instead on the upcoming Belmont Stakes.
Mage’s third-place finish might have slightly diminished the anticipation surrounding this year’s Belmont Stakes (scheduled for June 10). However, it does not diminish the exhilarating victory of National Treasure.
Although National Treasure won its maiden race last September, it had been unable to secure a victory since then. It is coming off after a fourth-place finish at the Santa Anita Derby. The colt had failed to accumulate enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Nevertheless, Velazquez skillfully guided his mount down the final stretch, successfully fending off the challenge posed by Blazing Sevens.
The finish at Pimlico was an extremely close one, almost requiring a photo finish. It marked a historic win for the 51-year-old Velazquez. This victory adds to his impressive Hall of Fame record, which already includes three wins at the Kentucky Derby and one at the Belmont. “It means the world. For… the success that I had in other races, not having one of this one was definitely missing, so very special to have it,” Velazquez expressed during the post-race broadcast on NBC.
Baffert, on the other hand, secured his eighth Preakness win. It is a significant achievement that came on a day when one of his horses, Havnameltdown, had to be euthanized due to a non-operable leg injury. “This business is full of twists and turns, the highs and lows,” Baffert remarked, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. “And then, to win this—losing that horse today really hurt… It’s been a very emotional day.”
National Treasure’s victory did not come as a complete surprise, as the horse was listed as one of the morning-line favorites at 3-1, as reported by Preakness.com. The remaining question now is whether Baffert and his team will strive for triumph at Belmont Park and how the field for that race will shape up.