Top 5 Favorite Preaknesses

By Dana Byerly, Hello Race Fans Co-founder

We asked our panelists for their favorite Derbies and now it’s on to the Preakness. The second jewel of the Triple Crown was focused more on past 30 years but a couple of vintage renditions did receive points.

As always, we assigned points for each vote 1-5 and calculated a total to arrive at the final list. And as it turns out we don’t have our first dead heat (thanks Ed!)

And the winners are (including their score):

1. Afleet Alex– 2005 (5.8)
One of the most shocking and impressive recoveries possibly ever… as one panelists put it “I don’t know who’s more athletic Afleet Alex or Jeremy Rose”. This replay includes an overview of the stumble.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmHmf2c-WHI

2. Rachel Alexandra – 2009 (5)
A true defining moment in a thrilling campaign.

3. Curlin – 2007 (3.2)
Just when you thought Street Sense had it all wrapped up, “Curlin, courageous and chasing home” runs him down in the stretch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KESI7-1TWrs

4. Affirmed – 1978 (2)
He set an incredible pace and held off his rival Alydar, next stop, Triple Crown.

5. Secretariat – 1973 (1.8)
He devours the field with the greatest of ease.

Also receiving votes:

Years with 1.4 points:
1979 – Spectacular Bid

Years with 1.2 points:
2004 – Smarty Jones

Years with 1 point:
2008 – Big Brown
2003 – Funny Cide
1997 – Silver Charm
1991 – Summer Squall

Years with .08 points:
1999 – Charismatic
1967 – Damascus
1919 – Sir Barton

Years with .06 points:
1989 – Sunday Silence
1998 – Risen Star
1980 – Codex
1972 – Bee Bee Bee

Years with .04 points:
1998 – Real Quiet

Years with .02 points:
2001 – Point Given

And last but not least, here’s what our panelists had to say about their selections: