Preakness Weekend Kicks Off With Black Eyed Susan Day

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's the eve of the Preakness Stakes--Baltimore's very own jewel of the Triple Crown. This weekend of horse racing puts the city back in the international spotlight for the right reasons.

Christie Ileto was up-close for the Friday kickoff.

The iconic sound of Preakness--from the bands, to the attire. The stakes are high for the Second Jewel in the Triple Crown.

To the victor goes the spoils. Keen Pauline takes the Black Eyed Susan Stakes.

"She proved to everybody that she is this type of horse that can win the big races," said Tammy Fox, assistant trainer.

"The city needs to show something other than what the world has seen over the last month," said Mike Evitts, Downtown Partnership.

Riots ripped through the city following the April police custody death of Freddie Gray.

Ileto: "Does this help get Baltimore from out of the shadow that was cast during the riots?"

Evitts: "This one event won't, but every little bit helps. Every time people can get something to counter the images that were shown over and over and over on national TV of the unrest."

Event organizers say the weekend's events are sold out and Preakness will generate tens of millions of dollars for the local economy.

Friday alone rakes in more than $18 million--up 63 percent from last year.

"I really do believe it's going to make Baltimore look better," said Sen. Lisa Gladden, (D) District 41.

Pimlico is in Senator Gladden's district.

"I think it takes time to get rid of the awful stories you've heard about Baltimore--because they're just blips," she said.

A national sporting event that may paint a fuller picture of Baltimore.