What Is The Weather Forecast For Preakness Stakes On Saturday, May 18?

Written By Eli Hershkovich | Published at May 15, 2024

With Preakness Stakes odds taking shape, the local weather in Baltimore is a major discussion point. As of Wednesday, Pimlico Race Course is bracing for rain. Below are the specifics of what meteorologists predict for the Preakness Stakes weather on Saturday, May 18.

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what is the weather forecast?

Post time for the 150th Preakness Stakes is 6:50 p.m. ET. National television coverage on NBC and Peacock will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET.

As noted, rain is projected for Baltimore but could clear before the Preakness. The National Weather Service predicts roughly 60% chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. ET, with a high near 76 degrees. However, a 50% chance of showers continues into Saturday night.

The Black-Eyed Susan kicks off the weekend action on Friday, May 17, ahead of Preakness Day on Saturday, May 18. Weather-wise, Friday could be the most pleasant day, with partly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees. But, like Saturday, rain is in the forecast at night — with a 60% chance of precipitation.

Horses To Consider In Poor Conditions

If the track is sloppy, TheLines.com horse-racing guru Dave Bontempo noted some Preakness mudders to consider in his preview.

Unsurprisingly, Mystik Dan (5-2 morning-line odds) is primed to perform well if the conditions are not ideal. For one, he emerged victorious in the Churchill Downs, positioning him for a crack at the 14th Triple Crown in horse-racing history. Mystik Dan’s closing speed on a sloppy track also stood out at the Southwest Stakes (G3) on Feb. 3.

Fellow Preakness candidate Just Steel, the son of Triple Crown winner Justify, galloped ahead for an early cushion at the quarter pole with jockey Ramon Vasquez. However, Mystik Dan skipped past him on a muddy inside stretch. Circumstances could be similar at Pimlico.

Albaugh Family Stables’ Catching Freedom also finished third in the Risen Star (G2) on a haphazard Fair Grounds track on Feb. 17. Trained by Brad Cox, Catching Freedom rebounded to win the Louisiana Derby (62) at the same venue — this time with the weather on his side.