Preakness Stakes Horse Race

Eleven horses were entered Wednesday for the 123rd running of the Preakness, but a quarter-century of history says that only four of them have a chance at Pimlico on Saturday. The Preakness, the middle leg in the Triple Crown series, ought to hang out a sign that says: Non-Kentucky Derby Horses, Don't Apply. As they've been doing for years, trainers rolled into Pimlico this week with horses that skipped the Derby.

Eleven horses were entered Wednesday for the 123rd running of the Preakness, but a quarter-century of history says that only four of them have a chance at Pimlico on Saturday. The Preakness, the middle leg in the Triple Crown series, ought to hang out a sign that says: Non-Kentucky Derby Horses, Don't Apply. As they've been doing for years, trainers rolled into Pimlico this week with horses that skipped the Derby.

When she boards the shuttle bus for the half-hour ride across the Maryland line to the Delaware Park casino, Phyllis Treadway always keeps $50 tucked away in her purse to feed the slot machines. Carefully counted out in small bills -- no more, no less -- the stipend is the retired dietitian's "one little extravagance."