The highly anticipated Pimlico Special (G3), set for Friday, May 16, promises a thrilling clash of talent as Blue Heaven Farm’s homebred Pyrenees gears up to defend his title in what will be his first start of the season. The 5-year-old will return to the scene of one of his most memorable victories under the guidance of trainer Cherie DeVaux, who had a breakout moment at this venue last year. DeVaux is confident about Pyrenees’ readiness, noting that he’s in great condition and has previously thrived off a layoff, although she acknowledges he may need the race to regain full sharpness.
The $250,000 Pimlico Special is one of six stakes races—three of which hold graded status—scheduled for the day. In total, the card offers $1.05 million in purses and serves as a lead-up to the prestigious Preakness Stakes (G1). The day also features marquee events like the $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan (G2), spotlighting top fillies, and other competitive contests including the Miss Preakness (G3), the Allaire du Pont Distaff, the Hilltop Stakes, and The Very One on turf.
Pyrenees made an impressive mark in 2024 with a four-race winning streak, beginning with a maiden victory and culminating in a decisive score in last year’s Pimlico Special. He later delivered notable efforts in elite company, including runner-up finishes in the Stephen Foster (G1) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), before closing the year with a tough trip in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Jockey Jose Ortiz will once again take the reins as Pyrenees attempts to recapture his top form.
Among the main challengers is trainer Brad Cox’s formidable duo of Star of Wonder and Encino. Star of Wonder enters in top form, having won four of five starts and recently scoring in a one-mile allowance at Aqueduct. Encino, a multiple stakes winner, has already demonstrated his ability on multiple surfaces and rebounded strongly in his most recent outing, suggesting he’s ready for another bold performance on dirt.
Veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas returns to Pimlico with Just Steel, who has had a light but promising campaign this year. Despite not yet winning in 2025, the son of Justify has shown improvement and is gradually regaining fitness after a setback last year. Lukas believes the colt’s stamina is coming together at the right time and is optimistic about his chances going two turns again.
Steve Asmussen’s Red Route One adds further depth to the field. With over $2 million in career earnings and multiple graded victories, he returns to a track where he has previously competed well. Though his latest outing didn’t result in a top finish, his prior win in the Essex Handicap showed he remains a serious contender.
Local trainer Rudy Sanchez-Salomon brings a horse in peak condition into his first graded stakes attempt. Following back-to-back wins at Laurel Park, his entry enters with growing confidence and has been training steadily toward this race. The horse’s running style demands strong urging throughout, but his connections believe he’s matured into a horse capable of handling the jump in class.
Other names to watch include Phileas Fogg, a decisive winner at Aqueduct; San Siro, who comes off a solid effort in the Ben Ali (G3); Time for Trouble, a consistent performer with eleven career wins; and Awesome Aaron, who most recently captured an allowance contest at Oaklawn Park.
With a rich history dating back to 1937, the Pimlico Special has long held a revered place in American racing. Once won by the legendary War Admiral and famously featuring his defeat to Seabiscuit, the race has crowned champions from the likes of Cigar and Mineshaft to Whirlaway and Citation. Revived in the late 1980s, it continues to draw elite fields and serves as a vital part of Preakness weekend festivities.
As anticipation builds toward the Preakness, the Pimlico Special once again stands as a marquee test of stamina, strategy, and class—a fitting stage for Pyrenees’ comeback and a platform for emerging stars to claim their moment of glory.
