2023 Alibi Breakfast

2023 Alibi Breakfast

The call to the post at the Alibi Breakfast.

Date: 05/18/2023

The Alibi Breakfast is a Pimlico tradition that dates back to the 1930’s. On the porch of the historic Clubhouse, owners, trainers, and press would discuss the horses over coffee each morning during training hours. Some of the greatest tales of racing ever to reach print were told those mornings. The tradition of the Preakness Alibi Breakfast started in the 1940’s, a chance for the connections of Preakness entrants to solicit interesting and often colorful race predictions. Hosted by Baltimore radio personality Scott Wykoff, the event not only allows a representative for each horse to be interviewed in a relaxed atmosphere, but also for the Maryland Jockey Club to present awards to members of the media and others who have made significant contributions to the local racing industry.

Tickets to the breakfast were sold for $89 which greatly reduced the attendance from past years, however the buffet was lacking items that were regularly offered such as eggs benedict, bagels and smoked salmon, crepes, fried chicken (replaced this year by nuggets), and the biggest change of all was the Black-Eyed Susan cocktails are no longer included, but instead were sold at the cash bar for $14.

One tradition is a blessing given by a local Roman Catholic Church leader. This year Bishop Bruce Lewandowski for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, asked for good weather and safe racing.

Jay Privman received the David F. Woods Memorial Award for excellence in journalism for his article “At 86, Lukas is in the Spotlight not the Twilight” in the Daily Racing Form. “Building up relationships over years and having access to those in racing are both paramount to make stories like this possible. I thank Wayne for his time last year at the stakes barn as we went down memory lane and I thank the Maryland Jockey Club for continuing its support and acknowledgment of the vital role racing media plays in telling the sport’s stories.”

Tom Pedulla, who has reported on Thoroughbred racing for over 3 decades, was the Old Hilltop Award winner. After keeping box scores for the New York Yankees games for Associated Press he became the Yankees beat writer for Gannett Newspapers in 1986. When Gannett cut him and others, Tom credits racing for allowing him to continue his career in journalism, writing for various publications including BloodHorse, New York Times, USA Today, Paulick Report, and America’s Best Racing. He has covered 25 of the last 27 Triple Crowns and Breeders’ Cups, 17 Super Bowls, 6 Olympics, and 11 World Series.

Rob Carr received the Jerry Frutkoff Photography Award for the best Preakness picture of 2022. Carr is a staff photographer based in Baltimore for Getty Images. The photo is of jockey Jose Ortiz overcome with emotion on his way to the Preakness winner’s circle. Carr has covered racing for over 30 years and grew up in the industry as his father worked at several Maryland farms.

Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, has been named the Honorary Postmaster for Preakness 149. Goodall came to the MHBA in 1986 to work on Maryland Million Day, founded by sportscaster Jim McKay to celebrate Maryland horses, and has promoted the state’s breeding and racing legacy ever since.

There were connections for only four of the seven Preakness entries present at the breakfast.

Chase the Chaos was represented by co-owner Sandy Dory. Dory said, “The best word (to describe the experience) is ‘Unbelievable’. This is a dream come true especially for my husband who has been in the game for several years now. We just keep pinching ourselves that we’re actually here. That’s the dream, you buy in for low ($10,000 purchase) and you make a lot of money. The trip (from California) is one we had to take. (The horse looks) amazing. We are the longest shot on the board I believe but you know what, I love an underdog!”

Mage was represented by Chase Chamberlain of co-owners Commonwealth Thoroughbreds. Chamberlain said, “Our business partner saw this horse, said he looks just like his dad, I said sign the papers, we’re in. He looks amazing, so much credit is due to Gustavo Sr. and Jr., they just did an amazing job managing this horse. It’s so wonderful to have people see just how much love and care goes into making sure these horses are 100%. (Mage) is a cool customer, he’s ready. We knew he was going to be something special. But a Kentucky Derby winner, no way. Even last fall we didn’t think he was ready.”

Coffeewithchris was represented by owner-trainer John Salzman Jr. who said of his Maryland bred, “I just learned something about that $500,000 bonus (for Maryland-bred or sired horses who win the Preakness). I never met Tom (Rooney, breeder and also the CEO of the NTRA) but he’s been texting me a lot lately so I’m hoping for the best for him. (joking) He’s a good shipper! (between Laurel, Pimlico, Timonium and Colonial Downs in Virginia). I’m a Maryland guy so I like to stay close to home. We didn’t win the Tesio so that didn’t work out but we were only beaten 2 lengths so I’m not going to let the 2 lengths keep me out of the Preakness. I know we’re a longshot but we’ll take a chance.” Saltzman got emotional when crediting his team for getting him to the race: his wife, veterinarian, and exercise rider, mentioning that the horse’s groom never took a vacation in 20 years but needed this week off so “my horse doesn’t have a groom”.

Perform was represented by trainer Shug McGaughey. McGaughey said, “If he didn’t win the Tesio we probably wouldn’t be here. After conversations I had with Feargal (Lynch, jockey) about the problems we had in the Tesio, it kind of got us thinking, and he left it up to me and after he had a good work 2 weeks ago and another last week we were pleased. And I’ve never won the Preakness and I’m not going to win the Preakness if they’re standing in the stall. (Assistant trainer Anthony Hamilton Jr., who is Baltimore born and raised) has done a tremendous job for me, takes a lot of the pressure off me. I’m really proud of the job he’s doing. I’m glad to bring him back to Maryland with this opportunity.”

2023 Triple Crown quick links:

• Black-Eyed Susan Day Results – Taxed rallied to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) by 3 3/4 lengths over Hoosier Philly and favorite Faiza at Pimlico on Friday. There were 5 other stakes on the card including the Pimlico Special (G3) won by Rattle N Roll, the Allaire Dupont Distaff won by Interstate Daydream, and the Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) won by Maple Leaf Mel. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 6 races here.
• 2023 Alibi Breakfast – The traditional Alibi Breakfast was on Thursday May 18, before the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes. Connections of four of the eight Preakness entrants were on hand to swap stories about their horse as well as watch the presentation of the annual awards.
• 2023 Preakness Thursday Photos – Thursday all of the Preakness horses were on the track on a cool, sunny morning. Photos of all 8 of the Preakness horses, including Mage, First Mission, and National Treasure.
• Preakness Entries – A field of only 8 was entered for the Preakness with Mage the only Derby horse in the race. He is the 8-5 favorite in post 3 with First Mission the second choice at 5-2 in post 8. Check out the horses with post positions, odds, and free past performances.
• Analyzing the top Preakness Contenders – Our annual analysis of the contenders to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. It is no surprise that Mage is the runaway winner in this year’s analysis.
• Preakness Weather Forecasts – up to 15 days in advance. Looks good for now, warm and overcast.
• Preakness Tickets on eBay.com
• Mage a magical winner in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) – Saturday at Churchill Downs, long shot Mage rallied from far back to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by a length over Two Phil’s and favorite Angel of Empire. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
• 2023 Kentucky Derby Field – Photos for each horse from the post parade plus where they finished and a link to their profile.
• Miscellaneous Kentucky Derby Photos – All kinds of photos from Oaks day and Derby Day, including trophies, flowers, anthem singers, scenic shots, and more. Check out the photos.
• Kentucky Derby Undercard Stakes Results – There were 7 other graded stakes on the card with the Derby, including the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) won by Up to the Mark, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) won by Fluffy Socks, the Derby City Distaff (G1) won by Matareya, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) won by Cody’s Wish, the American Turf (G2) won by Webslinger, the Pat Day Mile (G3) won by General Jim, and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) won by Nobals. Get the results, charts, and photos here. New!
• Kentucky Derby Entries – A field of 20 plus three also-eligibles were entered for the 149th Kentucky Derby on Monday. Florida Derby winner Forte was set as the morning line favorite at 3-1 from post 15. Get all the horses, post positions, morning line odds, and free past performances here. FYI – there are now 5 scratches: Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar, Skinner, and Forte. All the AEs are in the race.
• Pretty Mischievous wins the 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1) – Friday at Churchill Downs, longshot Pretty Mischievous held off Gambling Girl by a neck to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a neck with The Alys Look third and favorite Wet Paint fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
• Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results – There were 6 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by Played Hard, the Alysheba (G2) won by Smile Happy, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Red Carpet Ready, the Edgewood Stakes (G2) won by Heavenly Sunday, the Modesty (G3) won by Didia, and the Unbridled Sidney won by Caravel. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
• Thursday Kentucky Derby Photos – 20 Kentucky Derby horses and 10 Kentucky Oaks fillies from Thursday morning on the track or paddock schooling at Churchill Downs. Two loose horses this morning! Also, Practical Move scratched letting in Cyclone Mischief and later Lord Miles scratched letting in Mandarin Hero. This evening Continuar scratched so now King Russell is in as well. And Friday morning Skinner scratched so only 19 in the race.
• 2023 Kentucky Derby Analysis – Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year the field is very evenly matched but there is a narrow winner for top choice but it isn’t the favorite.
• Wednesday Kentucky Derby Photos – 15 Kentucky Derby horses and 14 Kentucky Oaks fillies from Wednesday morning on the track or paddock schooling at Churchill Downs, plus last year’s Derby winner Rich Strike.
• Tuesday Kentucky Derby Photos – 18 Kentucky Derby horses and 13 Kentucky Oaks fillies from Tuesday morning on the track or paddock schooling at Churchill Downs. Also shots of the new paddock and clubhouse turn grandstand and Rich Strike.
• Kentucky Oaks Entries – On Monday the post positions were drawn for the 149th Longines Kentucky Oaks and a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies plus three also-eligibles made the entry box, with 5-2 morning line favorite Wet Paint drawing post 7. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
• Kentucky Derby Points List – this is what determines which horses can get in the Kentucky Derby field.
• 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby – All the point earning races on the Triple Crown Trail leading up to the Kentucky Derby with results and winners updated as they are run.
• 2023 Triple Crown Late Nominations – Sunland Derby (G3) winner Wild on Ice headlines the list of seven late Triple Crown nominations made eligible by a $6000 fee by the March 27 deadline.
• Early Triple Crown Nominations – 312 horses where nominated by the early deadline of January 29 for the 2023 Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher nominated the most with 42 followed by Brad Cox with 26. Check out all the horses and free past performances from Equibase.
• Derby prep race charts – free from DRF
• Fillies in the Preakness Stakes – a look at the 53 fillies who have run in the Preakness and how they did. So far there have been 5 wins, 5 seconds, and 8 thirds.
• Preakness Traditions – Black-eyed Susans to the winner, the Woodlawn Vase trophy, the Alibi Breakfast, painting the weather vane, and more.
• Official Preakness Page – from the Maryland Jockey Club
• Baltimore Sun Preakness Section – lots of articles and photos
• Blood Horse Triple Crown Mania
• DRF Preakness Special – lots of good info like past winners preps and past performances.
• Triple Crown Trivia Quiz – test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
• Send this page to a friend – know someone who would like to see this page? Click here to send them the link.

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