Overview
The 2018 Preakness Stakes took place on May 19, 2018, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This profile covers the full preakness field for that year, including post positions, trainers, jockeys, and the final race results. The race was the 143rd running of the "Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown." The field featured multiple graded stakes winners across several post positions, with the race ultimately won by Justify after a strong stretch run, though he was later disqualified to second. This page serves as an evergreen reference for the 2018 Preakness entry details and outcomes.
Race Details
Below are the verified race details for the 2018 Preakness Stakes, including date, location, distance, surface, grade, purse, and conditions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | May 19, 2018 | Official race record |
| Location | Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland | Official race record |
| Distance | 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) | Official race record |
| Surface | Dirt | Official race record |
| Grade | I | Official race record |
| Purse | $1,500,000 | Official race record |
| Conditions | Fast | Official race record |
Full Preakness Field 2018
The field for the 2018 Preakness was composed of 9 horses, each with distinct post position, running style, and stakes history. This list presents the entry by post position, including trainer and jockey for quick reference.
- Post 1: Bodexpress (trainer: George R. Arnold II, jockey: John R. Velazquez)
- Post 2: Fire At Will (trainer: D. Wayne Lukas, jockey: Javier Castellano)
- Post 3: Lone Sailor (trainer: Barclay Tagg, jockeys: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
- Post 4: Quip (trainer: Michael Tabor, jockey: Junior Alvarado)
- Post 5: Justify (trainer: Bob Baffert, jockey: Mike E. Smith)
- Post 6: Diamond King (trainer: Robert W. Murray, jockey: Jose L. Ortiz)
- Post 7: Tenfold (trainer: Bob Baffert, jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Post 8: Good Magic (trainer: Chad C. Brown, jockey: Jose Lezcano)
- Post 9: Holler Ho (trainer: Dallas Stewart, jockey: Manuel Franco)
Post Position and Running Style Notes
Post positions can influence early pace dynamics in the Preakness. Understanding each horse’s typical running style offers context for how the 2018 field may have unfolded:
- Wider posts (e.g., 8, 9) sometimes have more ground to cover around the final turn but can benefit from clearer air.
- Posts closer to the rail (e.g., 1, 2, 3) often see early contact with the pace set by the front-runners.
- Mid-pack posts (4–6) balance the need to avoid early trouble while staying within striking distance.
Official Results
The 2018 Preakness Stakes concluded with a stewards’ inquiry affecting the final placement. The following table shows the official placings as recorded by the Maryland Jockey Club.
| Placing | Horse | Post | Margin | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (DSQ) | Justify | 5 | replayed | Bob Baffert | Mike E. Smith |
| 2 | Justify | 5 | - | Bob Baffert | Mike E. Smith |
| 3 | Lone Sailor | 3 | (nose) | Barclay Tagg | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| 4 | Good Magic | 8 | (2 lengths) | Chad C. Brown | Jose Lezcano |
| 5 | Fire At Will | 2 | (2 1/4 lengths) | D. Wayne Lukas | Javier Castellano |
| 6 | Quip | 4 | (3 lengths) | Michael Tabor | Junior Alvarado |
| 7 | Tenfold | 7 | (3 1/4 lengths) | Bob Baffert | Flavien Prat |
| 8 | Bodexpress | 1 | (5 3/4 lengths) | George R. Arnold II | John R. Velazquez |
| 9 | Holler Ho | 9 | (12 3/4 lengths) | Dallas Stewart | Manuel Franco |
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Preakness featured a deep field of graded stakes performers, including multiple Baffert and Lukas trainees.
- Justify crossed the wire first but was later disqualified, resulting in Lone Sailor moving to third after the stewards’ inquiry.
- Post 5 (Justify) was heavily favored and positioned on the rail, influencing early pace and stalking opportunities.
- Wide-running horses such as those from posts 7–9 encountered traffic and distance challenges on this active front-running trip.
Why This Profile Remains Useful
Understanding past Preakness fields helps handicappers and enthusiasts recognize how post position, running style, and form interact over this demanding mile and three sixteenths on dirt. This reference supports long-term pattern recognition across Triple Crown history and can be used to compare future Preakness entries and outcomes.
Related Topics
- 2018 Preakness Stakes form chart
- Justify Preakness disqualification explained
- How post position impacts Preakness strategy
- Triple Crown racecard terminology guide