Race Day

Big day at Pimlico with Nicanor running in the race before the Preakness, the $200,000 Dixie Stakes, a Grade 2, 1 1/8 mile turf race. Nicanor drew the #13 post, which can work both ways. This will be Nicanor's stakes debut and hopefully the outside post will allow him the opportunity to break cleanly, go to the front and stay there!

Nicky's race is shaping up to be as competitive as the Preakness. Just as Well has an impressive record, having won over a million dollars and Grassy, Picou and Rahystrada are equally daunting. It will be a serious test for Barbaro's brother and one has to believe that Michael Matz thinks his horse is up to the challenge.

Speaking of Matz, after a pretty dismal record in Florida this winter, he saddled three winners in one day at Delaware Park earlier this week so perhaps his luck is changing. Either that, or his horses run well at Delaware, very close to his home base, Fair Hill.

Hurricane Ike is out of the Preakness with an injury so all eyes will be on Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky to see if a Triple Crown is in the making. It is believed that NBC will telecast Nicky's race since it is the one right before the Preakness. Post time is 5:12 pm, EST.

A beautiful day is forecast so stay close to your televisions for some great racing. If Nicky wins, he will dispel the Preakness curse that has surrounded the Jacksons and Matz, perhaps in time for Brother Number 3 to stake his claim!