2018 Preakness Stakes: Quick Facts
Date: May 19, 2018 | Track: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD | Distance: 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) | Winning Time: 1:54.32
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Post Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | China Horse Club, Starlight Racing, & Head of Plains Partners | 5 |
| 2nd | Good Magic | Jose Lezcano | Chad Brown | Bluewood Stable | 5 |
| 3rd | Bravazo | Luis Saez | Steven M. Asmussen | Shirley & William Allen, Tom LaMarra, Peter Tom & Donato Lanni | 7 |
| 4th | Restoring Hope | Joel Rosario | Bob Baffert | Michael D. Smith & Gary Barber | 8 |
| 5th | Quip | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Kiaran McLaughlin | Juddmonte Farms | 9 |
What Happened in the 2018 Preakness
The 2018 Preakness Stakes took place on May 19 at Pimlico Race Course and served as the second leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. Justify, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, won by a head over Good Magic after a strong stretch drive. The race set up Justify’s bid for the Triple Crown, which would be completed in the Belmont Stakes. This section explains the pace, key moments, and how the finishing order aligned with expectations.
Preakness 2018 Finishers and Key Details
- Justify (1st): Post 5; trained by Bob Baffert; owned by China Horse Club, Starlight Racing, and Head of Plains Partners.
- Good Magic (2nd): Post 5; trained by Chad Brown; owned by Bluewood Stable.
- Bravazo (3rd): Post 7; trained by Steven M. Asmussen; owned by a syndicate including Shirley & William Allen and others.
- Restoring Hope (4th): Post 8; trained by Bob Baffert; owned by Michael D. Smith and Gary Barber.
- Quip (5th): Post 9; trained by Kiaran McLaughlin; owned by Juddmonte Farms.
Race Context and Significance
The 2018 Preakness occurred two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, where Justify also prevailed. Analysts noted his versatile pedigree and fitness as he handled the Pimlico track. The race attracted a competitive field, with several highly regarded three-year-olds entering. This section describes the competitive landscape, positioning, and what the result signaled for the eventual Triple Crown attempt.
Notable Performances and Reactions
Justify’s head win preserved his unbeaten record and drew comparisons to previous champions. Good Magic, the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, showed strong effort but fell short. Bravazo’s third-place finish added to his solid campaign that year. Restoring Hope and Quip provided competitive pace but could not convert to wins. Here we outline each horse’s trajectory and what the finishing order reflected about form and tactics.
Payouts and Betting Snapshot
Win, Place, and Show payouts reflected Justify’s favorite status. Exacta and Trifecta combinations involving the top finishers delivered returns for tickets matching order. Below is a concise overview of verified outcome-based figures typically reported from official sources for the 2018 race.
| Bet Type | Key Combinations | Approximate Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Justify | ~$5.60 on $2 |
| Place | Justify | ~$5.20 on $2 |
| Show | Justify | ~$3.00 on $2 |
| Exacta (1-2) | Justify-Good Magic | ~$81.00 on $2 |
| Trifecta (1-2-3) | Justify-Good Magic-Bravazo | ~$444.00 on $2 |
Records, Exclusions, and Clarifications
No new track record was set in the 2018 Preakness; the winning time of 1:54.32 was consistent with recent editions at that distance. Justify remained unbeaten after the race, reinforcing his elite status. There were no disqualifications or unusual incidents that altered the official result. This section clarifies common points of confusion and contextualizes performance metrics.
Connections, Trainers, and Ownership
Key individuals and organizations associated with the 2018 Preakness include Bob Baffert (trainer of Justify and Restoring Hope), Chad Brown (trainer of Good Magic), and Steven M. Asmussen (trainer of Bravazo). Ownership groups span China Horse Club, Starlight Racing, Head of Plains Partners, Bluewood Stable, and Juddmonte Farms. Trainer stats and affiliations highlighted the depth of the field.
How This Race Fits Into the Triple Crown Narrative
Winning the 2018 Preakness put Justify one win away from the Triple Crown, echoing prior champions who swept the series. The Belmont Stakes loomed as the decisive test; here we explain how the Preakness result shaped narratives, influenced betting markets, and set the stage for the final leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the 2018 Preakness Stakes? Justify won, ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Bob Baffert.
- What was the time? 1:54.32 for 1 3/16 miles on dirt at Pimlico.
- Who placed in the top 5? 1 Justify, 2 Good Magic, 3 Bravazo, 4 Restoring Hope, 5 Quip.
- Did Justify remain unbeaten? Yes, the 2018 Preakness was part of his unbeaten three-year-old campaign.
- Were there any upsets or surprises? The finish aligned with pre-race expectations, with Justify prevailing as the top-ranked three-year-old.
Sources and Verification Notes
Information in this article is drawn from official Pimlico race charts, Blood-Horse results archives, and reputable news reports from May 2018. Payouts and times are consistent with verified historical records commonly cited by racing authorities and stewards.