National Treasure Wins 148th Preakness Stakes - No Triple Crown Winner in 2023
John R. Velazquez and Bob Baffert teamed up with National Treasure to win the 2023 Preakness Stakes. John has won almost every Grade 1 race in the United States, but this was his first Preakness win, on his 13th mount in the race.
Bob Baffert had just returned to Pimlico this week, after staying in California for a couple of years, and had to witness his star colt, Havnameltdown, in the Chick Lang Stakes (the 6th race on today's program) stumble, fall, and be euthanized on the track. It was a terrible occurrence. Jockey Luis Saez was galloped over by the following horse, and was taken to the hospital. Saez is OK, and will ride tomorrow.
National Treasure, the bay son of Quality Road and Treasure, took control out of the gate, and led all the way, though he had to fight off Blazing Sevens in the stretch and won only by the margin of a head. Once he got the lead, he slowed down, so that the majority of the other entries, all closers, had no thing to really "run at." The first quarter-mile was run in 23.95 seconds; the half-mile in 48.92 seconds; and 3/4s in 1:13.49. The last 3.5 furlongs (7/16s) was run in 41.63 seconds. Mage, the Kentucky Derby winner, finished in third, 2 1/2 lengths behind Blazing Sevens. - Mage also had stitches above his right eye, from a stall accident on Thursday. - Red Route One finished fourth, 2 1/2 lengths behind Mage.
2023 Preakness finish line photo - (l to r) Mage in 3rd, Blazing Sevens in 2nd,
National Treasure and John Velazquez in first...
Following is the complete order of finish, with purse winnings: 1. National Treasure ($990,000); 2. Blazing Sevens ($330,000); 3. Mage ($182,500); 4. Red Route One ($99,000); 5. Chase the Chaos ($49,500); 6. Perform; 7. Coffeewithchris.
The payouts for $2 bets in the Preakness were as follows: National Treasure to win $7.80; Blazing Sevens to place $5.00; Mage to show $2.40. The $2 perfecta paid $31.80; the trifecta paid 48.40; and the superfecta paid $144.80
Next stops are the Acorn Stakes on 9 June and the Belmont Stakes on 10 June....
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