2013 Preakness Stakes: Orb could have less competition this time around

The Preakness Stakes may have a narrower field than in recent years.

As of Sunday, officials are expecting somewhere between eight and 12 horses to run in the race, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Normally, officials narrow down a group of at least 20 horses to 14 to run in the race, but not as many worthy candidates have emerged this year.

As of this writing, eight horses are committed to run in the Preakness, with another four expected to round out the field. Mylute is the latest to become a confirmed member of the field, and Normandy Invasion, the fourth-place finisher at the Derby, is still under consideration.

After the Kentucky Derby, Maryland Jockey Club stakes coordinator Coley Blind met with those that did not win and learned that a fifth of the field had been ruled out of the Preakness Stakes.

Blind said they would rather have 12 strong candidates than push the field to 14 and water down the race. He also thinks trainers have been shy about entering their horses because of what a special horse Kentucky Derby winner Orb is.

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