With Tom Durkin at Pimlico to call the Preakness for NBC, longtime track announcer John Imbriale returns from his retirement to call the live racing today and tomorrow.

Fans are reminded that Belmont Park will open its parking gates at 9:30 a.m. today, and admission gates will open at 9:45 to accommodate patrons wishing to bet the Preakness Day card from Pimlico.

There will be only be voucher machines available for the early wagering at Pimlico.

1ST RACE – Tiffany’s Rodeo set the pace and looked like a winner turning for home, but the unusual distance of the race, 7 ½ furlongs, got to the pacesetter and she shortened strides in the stretch. Morning Gallop and Fuego Grande raced as a tandem at full speed to go by the pacesetter and battled to the wire, bumping each other constantly, and at the wire, Fuego Grande got the victory. Morning Gallop was hard to pull up after the race and looked like he could win next out at a longer distance. Favored Christina’s Melody chased the pace and tired to fourth.

4TH RACE – At the start of the race, Patch Man and Northern Emblem bumped each other hard and both fell back early. Then Patch Man made a strong middle move while saving ground and angled outside for the stretch drive. He then ran down Sly Diamond Jim for the victory. Pastor’s Partner pulled up on the far turn and was vanned off.

5TH RACE – While the race was being run, thunder and lightning arrived, so it was a race to the wire and to beat the rain. Storm Boot Gold set the pace and held off all challengers to get the victory. After crossing the finish line, the rains arrived and it came down hard. Dr. Rockett was far back early but finished full of run to finish third.

6TH RACE – The race was delayed by nine minutes to allow the lightning to pass. Once the race went off, Polish King pressed pacesetting Western Accent, took the lead in the stretch and drew off for the victory.

8TH RACE – With the lack of a quality pace in the race, Happy Hunting was forced to set the pace instead of stalking the pace. Turning for home, he still had the lead, but faced an inside and outside challenge from the favored Richard Dutrow Jr. entry of Bailero and Upturn. Both horses were able to wear down the pacesetter and finish one-two, with Upturn getting the victory.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 4-7-8-14-1-11

No winners

4 cons. winners (5 of 6) Each receives $2,992.00

Carryover: $35,04.77