In the strange year that is 2020, the Preakness will be run tomorrow. I will admit that it’s snuck up on me — I just don’t anticipate it in October! That said, it should be an interesting race. Although there will be no Triple Crown winner this year, there are some horses running that may put on a really good show.

Swiss Skydiver, who finished second in the Kentucky Oaks to her half sister, Shedaresthedevil, is hoping to be sixth filly to win this race in its 145 year history. If so she’ll follow Rachel Alexandra into the history books. Swiss Skydiver has run against the boys before, finishing second in the Blue Grass to Art Collector. Some people worry that she’s been campaigned too hard this year, which has taken its toll. She’ll need to be at her best tomorrow.

Art Collector, one of the favorites for Derby, was scratched after he nicked his left front heel during a routine gallop. He’s coming into the Preakness fresh — and unbeaten in four starts this year. In the Blue Grass Stakes, Art Collector beat Swiss Skydiver as she tired coming down the stretch.

Thousand Words is the horse who reared up in the Derby paddock and flipped over. Provided he gets through the saddling process unscathed, he could be a contender. Although he finished nearly 30 lengths behind Mr. Big News in the Oaklawn Stakes, where he led the field in a wire-to-wire win in the Shared Belief Stakes, beating Honor A.P. (who was retired after he strained his front left tendon in the Kentucky Derby).

Authentic comes into the race as the favorite, having won the Kentucky Derby. Questions linger over his inconsistent performances in prior races and whether the Derby took too much out of him. However, he did beat Belmont winner Tiz the Law (who is not running in the Preakness).

With 11 entries in the Preakness, post positions will not have the same impact as they would in a larger field.

Which horse is your favorite for a win in the Preakness. I’m rooting for Swiss Skydiver as she is just runs her heart out in every race. But I’m thinking it may be Art Collector who crosses the finish line first.