After the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, it’s Shackleford that’s come out the victor — a complete surprise given the hype surrounding Animal Kingdom who came up just short at the very end with a strong burst on the outside. Shackleford was shaky going in, leading analysts to describe him as jumpy and had some reservations about his race possibilities. Looks like there’s no need for any concern.
Flashpoint and Shackleford led early, as expected since they are quick starters, and Midnight Interlude also surprised staying in the early runnign along with Astrology. Yet as the race went on, Shackleford kept the pace well and held off the favorite Animal Kingdom late and even Astrology who remained in a money position for most of the race. Other favorites like Mucho Macho Man and Dialed In failed to make good on their potential.
Jesus Castanon wins his first career Preakness Stakes as the jockey for Shackleford. “I was able to calm him down,” said Castanon in post-race interviews on the energy he had before the race started. Yet he held that energy beautifully down the stretch and ruined any chance for a Triple Crown Winner for yet another year. The streak will be 34 years next season.