Preparations Underway For Preakness

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's one of the most coveted titles in the sport of horse racing and it's happening right here in Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes is just five days away, but there is so much going on before the big day.

Marcus Washington has all the prep work to get things ready for the thousands of spectators planning to attend.

This is one of the jewel races in the Triple Crown. It takes a lot to roll out the red carpet for the more than 130,000 people who are expected to attend the races on Saturday.

The clock is ticking and the finish is waiting for the winner to cross. It's Preakness time in Baltimore and there is no time for slacking.

"There is so much going on. You get here first thing in the morning---the next thing you know, it's dark and you have to come back. It's what we all work for. It's great," said Pimlico President and General Manager Sal Sinatra.

From painting the fences to mowing the lawn, there is so much to do to get Pimlico ready to entertain thousands of spectators.

Everyone is waiting to see if Nyquist can capture the second jewel in the Triple Crown.

"I tell everybody I get to throw the biggest party in America. It really is. It's the people's party. There will be 130,000-plus people. Music, beer flowing, horses running---you can't ask for anything better," Sinatra said.

And something new for fans this year: the Jumbotron will be in HD, giving fans a clearer picture of all the races.

"Kentucky doesn't know who's going to win the Kentucky Derby until after the race. I know I'm going to get the Kentucky Derby winner. The question is, are we going to allow a horse to leave here with a chance for the Triple Crown and Belmont in three weeks?" Sinatra said.

"It's good to be part of it, too. It makes you feel good for what you're doing for that day," said worker Wayne Fastnaught.

This week will be full of events. It kicks off Tuesday morning.