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Pimlico Race Course Is Getting Ready For The Preakness

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— With just days until the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes, crews work around the clock to get Pimlico Race Course ready.

Jessica Kartalija reports Preakness will have a different image this year.

They've gotten rid of Kegasus as their mascot, and they're also changing the whole look of the infield.

They hope the turnout is better than ever.

"The winners circle is new. You can see some clean up and so on. I think it's a whole different feeling, and it's something the city and the state and the jockey club can be proud of," said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas.

Last year, more than 120,000 people came to Preakness, marking the fourth year in a row that attendance increased.

Ticket sales are already up 10 percent this year, and all 26 corporate tents are sold out.

Richard Karroll, from Baltimore City, scored some last-minute tickets to Saturday's race.

"I get together with friends from out of town every year," he said, "and every year we go to the Preakness. I think it's great for the city, great for the state and it's great for the local economy as well with all the tourists."

That could have something to do with the all-star line-up.

Pitbull and hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are playing extended sets on the main stage with Chevelle, Florida-Georgia Line.

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