The 138th running of The Preakness Stakes is set to take place on May 18, 2013 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness Stakes is the elusive second jewel of the US Triple Crown and is known at the “people’s party.” Are you ready? Below we put together a top ten list to ensure your Preakness Party will be one to remember whether you’re partying in the Pimlico infield or hosting a fantastic shindig for your friends!
1) Learn How To Make A Black-Eyed Susan!
The Black-Eyed Susan is the official drink of The Preakness.
1.25 oz. Finlandia Vodka
0.25 oz. St. Germaine Liqueur
2 oz. Lemon Juice
3 oz. Lemongrass & Blackberry Simple Syrup
6 Drops of Bitters
Garnish with a sage leaf.
Enjoy!
2) Traditional Preakness Party Foods
Everyone loves Crab Cakes! We recommend sticking with the Maryland theme and serving corn on the cob, slaw, and crab cakes with your Black-Eyed Susan cocktails!
3) The Odds
To get your guests in the spirit of things, view or print out the contenders & odds of the 2013 Preakness Stakes.
4) Set The Alarm for Post Time
It’s happened to all of us. You can become easily detracted after consuming a Black-Eyed-Susan or two and miss a race. We recommend simply setting an alarm on your phone or kitchen oven 15 minutes prior to post time so everyone can place last minute bets and position themselves for optimum views of the race, regardless if it’s in the grandstand or on your couch! Post time for the 2013 Preakness Stakes is set for approximately 6:20 PM EDT.
5) Place Your Bets
If you’re at home and want to place a bet on the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb, follow our step by step guide to betting legally online. We recommend setting up your account in advance so on race day you can easily submit your picks. Advanced wagering for the 2013 Preakness Stakes will be available on twinspires beginning on May 17th. If you need help placing a bet, be sure to check out our betting guides for easy-to-read information.
6) Set The Preakness Scene
The theme of the Preakness revolves around the Black-Eyed Susan flower, which is black and yellow. If you can’t find Black-Eyed Susans, simply decorate or garnish your crab cake platters with yellow daisies. The Maryland State flag would be a nice touch atop a table full of Black-Eyed Susan cocktails!
7) Sing Along!
Print out the words to the Maryland State Song so your guests can participate and sing along before the Preakness Stakes.
8) Black-Eyed Susan Day-May 17: What to Wear?
Black-Eyed Susan Day is “The People’s Pink Party.” Held on the Friday before the Preakness Stakes, The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is a 1 1/8 mile dirt race is for three-year-old fillies and is considered to be the second jewel of the Triple Crown for fillies after the Kentucky Oaks and before the Acorn.
Benefiting Susan G. Koman for The Cure, fans attending Black-Eyed Susan day are encouraged to wear pink! We recommend this “Sitting Pretty In Pink” dress paired with the “Proudly Posh Pump in Mint.” It’s always a good idea to pack a pair of flats for your day at the races. A mint shoe with your pink dress will keep you fashionable and comfortable. We like the Ollio Ballet Flats to keep you blister free. To complete the feminine but functional look, we found a nice clean designer inspired quilted clutch bag. The accent pearls on the clutch will match your pearl necklace or pearl studs for a flawless finish!
9) Preakness Stakes- May 18: What to Wear?
Because the Preakness is considered to be “the people’s race” and is more relaxed than the Kentucky Derby, we like the idea of sticking to the Black-Eyed Susan them and wearing black and yellow! We love the “Lock and Key Lime” dress and fun “Neon Top Of The World” dress. Both dresses can be paired with this sunny “Brim and Proper” hat that can later be worn on a leisurely beach day. Keep your look comfortable and casual with a pair of Michael Kors Peep Toe Espadrilles.
10) Preakness Party Favors
Send your party people home with a lucky horseshow with the date painted on it. You can also give out official Preakness 138th Stakes glasses to your guests!
Like what you see? Follow the links above to purchase Preakness outfits!