Mike Watchmaker

The conditions at Pimlico on Preakness morning just could not be any better. There isn’t a cloud in the sky, the humidity is low, and there is a gentle breeze out of the north. The track is fast, of course, and this weather should help dry out the turf course to some extent, although it still should have plenty of give to it considering how deep it was Friday.

Friday morning’s weather forecast here in Baltimore called for a good chance of afternoon thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rain in spots. But an updated forecast and a recent look at the radar for this area suggests that we might dodge a weather bullet.

Your browser does not support iframes A Weekend Warrior Friday special direct from Pimlico - handicapping the Jim McKay Turf Sprint in today's race 5.

The good news is, we hear it during the two weeks between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness more infrequently with each passing year. The bad news is, we still hear it. Of course, we’re talking about: Pimlico is a tight-turned, speed-favoring race track.

Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs dawned sunny and refreshingly cool, but looks might turn out to be deceiving. Every weather forecaster I’ve seen and talked to gave a resigned shake of the head when asked about the weather here this afternoon. It seems a front is approaching from the west, giving us a very good chance of showers, and those showers could turn into thunderstorms if it warms up enough, and the sun remains strong.