The 2011 Preakness Stakes is complete and Shackleford pulled the solid upset with an unofficial time of 1:56.47. Shackleford was a bit jumpy getting into the gate to start the race, but once he got going there was no stopping him. The final 200 yards of the race featured an interesting battle between Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness favorite Animal Kingdom, but there was simply not enough race left for Animal Kingdom to get the victory.
Early on Flashpoint looked solid, taking the early lead into the back stretch of the race. However, after the far turn, Shackleford put it into gear and emerged as the leader coming down the home stretch. At the eighth pole, Animal Kingdom began to make its run towards the front of the pack and was only a length or so back of Shackleford over the final 100 yards. Unfortunately for Triple Crown enthusiasts, Animal Kingdom simply did not have enough to complete the comeback and lost by three-quarters of a length.
The final results saw Shackleford Win, Animal Kingdom Place, and Astrology Show, while Dialed In came in fourth. Shackelford came into the race at 12-1 odds. Rave favorite Animal Kingdom had closed at 5/2 and Dialed In was right behind him at 4-1. This marks only the second time in the last fifteen years that one of the top two favorites did not win the Preakness.
The 2011 Preakness Stakes is officially complete at the Pimlico racetrack. Stay with our 2011 Preakness Stakes StoryStream as we wrap up and move on to the Belmont Stakes.