Animal magnetism

Animal Kingdom won’t be sneaking up on anyone – even coming from behind. The colt who came out of nowhere to win his first race on dirt in the Kentucky Derby is favored to win the Preakness Stakes today (NBC, 1:30 p.m.; post time 3:20) in Baltimore. “I feel more relaxed than I have all week,” trainer Graham Motion said Friday. “I think I’ve done what I can do and it’s really out of my hands now.” If Animal Kingdom can repeat his Derby success in the $1 million Preakness, he’ll set himself up for a Triple Crown try in three weeks in the Belmont Stakes. It’s been 33 years since Affirmed swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont to become horse racing’s 11th Triple Crown winner.

– Associated Press