The Alibi Breakfast is a Pimlico tradition that dates back to the 1930's. On the porch of the historic Clubhouse, owners, trainers, and press would discuss the horses over coffee each morning during training hours. Some of the greatest tales of racing ever to reach print were told those mornings. The tradition of the Preakness Alibi Breakfast started in the 1940's, a chance for the connections of Preakness entrants to solicit interesting and often colorful race predictions.


Hosted by Baltimore radio personalities Scott Garceau and Keith Mills, the event not only allows each trainer to be interviewed in a relaxed atmosphere, but also for the Maryland Jockey Club to present awards to members of the media and others who have made significant contributions to the local racing industry.

Bob Baffert, trainer of morning line favorite Bodemeister said, “He reminds me of Bode Miller, the way he skis downhill. They’re all different. He’s one of those horses that shows you more in the afternoons than he does in the mornings. Every time I watch the Derby replay, I keep waiting for him to hit the skids, but he didn’t. We just got beat by a better horse, so we’ve come here to see if we can turn the tables. It’s going to be a great race. The California horses I feel are the really good horses. Creative Cause is a really good horse. He beat Bodemeister on the square (San Felipe). That’s one of the reasons we went to the Arkansas Derby, was to get away from those horses. Their form has really stood up.

It’s nice to be back at Pimlico. It’s my favorite stop on the Triple Crown trail. Win, lose, or draw you always leave here feeling good and that’s really important. The Pimlico staff is great and they really take care of the horseman."

Doug O'Neill, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another said, “He’s training fantastic. I think anybody who has had a chance to watch him gallop can see how special of an individual he is. He’s loving Pimlico and his energy has been great. We’re ready.”

D. Wayne Lukas, trainer of Optimizer, and looking for his sixth Preakness (his last being Charismatic in 1999) said, “These horses, sometimes they don’t fit every scenario. A lot of them won’t pass every test and that’s what makes it so unpredictable and so exciting. But this guy has passed on two turns, different surfaces, different barns. I think he fits. He has the energy level and it looks like he can come back in two weeks. I think experience is paramount.”

Mike Harrington, trainer of Creative Cause, was asked why he shipped the colt back to California first rather than go directly to Baltimore. He explained, "I like to sleep in my own bed, so I figure my horse would like to sleep in his own stall. If you look at the horse’s form he’s been right there in every race he’s run,” Harrington said. “He’s actually beaten the two favorites, so why wouldn’t I be confident?"

Triple Crown quick links:

• Preakness Entries and Post Positions - A field of 11 was entered. Get morning line odds, past performances, profiles, and photos
• 2012 Preakness Thursday Photos - 8 of the 11 Preakness entrants are at the Pimlico stakes barn and 7 of them went out on the track Thursday morning either for a walk around or gallop. Check out photos for each here.
• Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2012 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. It is no surprise that Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another came out on top but how did the others fare?
• Free Past Performances - for the Preakness, look for Bodemeister to find the link
• Preakness Weather Forecasts
• Who do you think will win the Preakness? - share your thoughts and check out who others have selected as the likely winner.
• Kentucky Derby Results and Photos - I'll Have Another wins over Bodemeister and Dullahan. So far, several of the Kentucky Derby horses are planning to head to Baltimore to compete in the Preakness.
• Preakness Infield Changes - After 2009's massive tightening of the rules which resulted in a huge drop in attendance, officials relaxed things slightly. You can't bring beer, but you can buy a special "all you can drink" Mug Club ticket.
• Preakness Traditions - Black-eyed Susans to the winner, the Woodlawn Vase trophy, the Alibi Breakfast, painting the weather vane, and more.
• Preakness Entry Rules - the field is limited to 14 starters, here is how they determine the order of preference if more than that enter. Their rules are a quite different from the Derby.
• Preakness Info Central - the main list of everything Preakness
• Preakness 101 - A basic introduction the the second jewel of the Triple Crown
• Past Preakness Winners - check out the previous 136 winners of the Preakness Stakes
• Fillies in the Preakness - a look at the 53 fillies who have run in the Preakness and how they finished. So far only 5 have won.
• Preakness official site - news, history, and more
• Baltimore Sun Preakness Section - news, articles, and more
• Road to the Triple Crown - from Thoroughbred Times
• Triple Crown Mania - from Blood Horse
• Preakness Special - from DRF
• Triple Crown Trail - the prep race schedule with results
• Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
• Triple Crown Index - the master list with even more info
• 2012 Preakness Results - Shackleford wins over Animal Kingdowm. Also includes links to the Black-Eyed Susan, Alibi Breakfast, and more.