By Tom Jicha

South Florida racing fans will have a local rooting interest in Saturday's Preakness.

Big Drama, who has a legitimate chance to upset Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and super filly Rachel Alexandra, was developed at Calder and is trained by Calder regular David Fawkes.

Big Drama became the sixth horse to sweep all three legs of Calder's Florida Stallion Stakes last year. He then went to Lousiana and captured the rich Delta Downs Jackpot.

A minor leg ailment delayed his 3-year-old debut, making it impossible for him to be properly prepared for the Kentucky Derby. However, in his only start this season, he finished first in the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream, only to be taken down on a very questionable disqualification.

Preakness day doesn't have the cachet of the Kentucky Derby but Calder will make an event of it. Crab cakes will be added to the concession menu and Black-Eyed Susans (the official Preakness adult beverage) will be for sale in souvenir glasses.

Calder will open at 10 a.m. for simulcasting of Pimlico's card, which springs from the gate at the ungodly hour of 10:15. The Preakness will probably go off between 6:15-6:30 p.m.

The first local race is at 12:25.