What nickname is commonly used for the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes is commonly nicknamed “The Middle Jewel” of the Triple Crown.

The race is the second American Triple Crown event, positioned between the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. It is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is traditionally run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.

The nickname reflects the race’s place in the three-race sequence: the Kentucky Derby is the first jewel, the Preakness is the middle jewel, and the Belmont Stakes is the final jewel. The Preakness was first run in 1873, two years before the inaugural Kentucky Derby.

The race is also associated with Black-Eyed Susan flowers, Maryland’s state flower. The winning horse is presented with a blanket of yellow flowers, although the flowers used have historically varied.