The Preakness Stakes -- the second leg of The Triple Crown -- is set to be run in extreme heat on Saturday.
Thankfully the post time of 7:01 p.m. ET will not be at the peak heat of the day, but it will still be plenty hot. Forecast temperature at the start of the race is 91 degrees. This will be a few degrees below the high temperature for the day which is forecast to reach 94 degrees -- 18 degrees above normal.The extreme heat means acclimation could be an issue. Heat early in the season affects people more because their bodies aren't used to it yet, according to CNN's weather team.
The legendary trainer will not be allowed to participate at the Preakness due to Maryland's"reciprocity" statute.Epicenter is the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes after coming runner-up in the Kentucky Derby.Ones to watchRich Strike stunned almost everyone when it won the Derby at the longest odds of any other horse in the race -- 80/1. Runner-up on that day was Epicenter and the horse is back as the favorite for the middle jewel in the Triple Crown.