The weather for Preakness could be the hottest in Triple Crown racing history

“He goes out there and never flinches,” McPeek said. “I don’t think he’ll mind the heat and I’m not worried about what I can’t control but I hope the weatherman is wrong.”

The weatherman wasn’t wrong.

The 147th Preakness could be raced in some of the hottest weather in Triple Crown racing history.

The temperature at the Pimlico circuit rose to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit just after 1 p.m. The forecast calls for 90 degrees when the horses enter the starting gate at just after 7. Post time is scheduled for 7:01 am.

The record high on Preakness Day is 96, which was set in 1934. Favorite Epicenter coach Steve Asmussen said he was as worried as he could be about the heat.

“We know it can be pretty stuffy when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think they all have to deal with that,” Asmussen said. “He’s a big horse that turns back in 14 days so just make sure he’s drinking plenty of water and hydrated just like your kids.”