PREAKNESS STAKES RECAP: SWISS SKYDIVER PULLS OFF THE UPSET

The long Triple Crown cycle of 2020 has finally come to an end, as Swiss Skydiver won in a photo finish over Authentic. Swiss Skydiver becomes just the sixth filly to win a Preakness Stakes, and the first since 2009, in the 145^th running of this classic race. Authentic was the heavy favorite after winning the Kentucky Derby, but Swiss Skydiver moved into the lead near the midpoint of the race and held on down the stretch.

Take a look at some of the highlights of a magnificent race, right after we review the payouts for the bettors.

2020 PREAKNESS STAKES – PAYOUTS

Courtesy of JAZZSports Racebook

Oct 3rd, 2020 – Post Time 5:45 pm ET

Preakness Stakes Recap: Swiss Skydiver Pulls off the Upset

Swiss Skydiver was the first filly in a Preakness since 2014, when Ria Antonia ran at Pimlico but came in dead last. The last filly to win at the Preakness was Rachel Alexandra, in 2009.

It was Thousand Words who ran out to the early lead, with Authentic breathing down his neck. It was near the end of the backstretch when Swiss Skydiver made her move, during the home stretch into a two-horse battle.

Authentic would have delivered trainer Bob Baffert a record eight wins as a Preakness Stakes trainer. Jesus’ Team paid off on long odds coming in third, with Art Collector, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (Grade I) finishing in fourth place.

Ken McPeek is Swiss Skydiver’s trainer, and Robby Albarado was on board for the race. She entered the Preakness Stakes with +1100 odds and paid $25.40 to win on a $2 bet, along with $8.40 to place and $5.80 to show. She had won the Alabama Stakes (Grade I). She was expected to win the Kentucky Oaks in early September but came in second, as Shedaresthedevil pulled off the upset win.

Authentic had won the Kentucky Derby in a wire-to-wire duel with Tiz the Law, who had won the Belmont Stakes. Tiz the Law was held out of the Preakness to rest for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, as there was no Triple Crown up for grabs.

The 2020 Triple Crown, was different in multiple ways. All three races were delayed, although the Belmont Stakes faced the shortest delay and took place on June 20. The race was shortened to nine furlongs instead of the usual 12. There was a longer gap between each of the three races, adding to rest time, and the Preakness (which was the last race in the Triple Crown cycle for the first time ever) was run within rest range of the Breeders’ Cup for the first time. This was the first time the order of the races had been altered since the 1930s.

The next major event on the horse racing calendar is the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will include all the best horses in the world, instead of just the three-year-olds who go after the Triple Crown. As with the Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will also take place without spectators.

Give an EDGE to your horse-betting with JAZZ Horse Racing’s expert racing advice, and make sure to look for the special content coming up for the 2020 Breeders’ Cup. Until Next Time!