Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown is the favorite with 2-1 odds for Preakness at Pimlico Race Course. Is he on his way to the Triple Crown?

• Big Brown (PP #7, odds 1-2) - Kentucky Derby winner
• Gayego (PP #12, odds 8-1) - Arkansas Derby winner
• Behindatthebar (PP #5 , odds 10-1) - Lexington Stakes winner
• Kentucky Bear (PP #8, odds 15-1)
• Yankee Bravo (PP #4, odds 15-1)
• Giant Moon (PP #11, odds 30-1)
• Icabad Crane (PP #3, odds 30-1)
• Macho Again (PP #1, odds 30-1)
• Racecar Rhapsody (PP #6, odds 30-1)
• Riley Tucker (PP #10, odds 30-1)
• Stevil (PP #9, odds 30-1)
• Tres Borrachos (PP #2, odds 30-1)

Preakness Links:

• Events
• Photos
• Traditions
• Party Planning

There's more than just Preakness festivities going on this weekend. While Saturday, May 17, is Baltimore's big moment in horse racing, Baltimore's favorite baseball team takes on its newest rivals. The O's are at home in Camden Yards, for a three-game series, starting Friday evening, against the Washington Nationals.

Though the traditional Preakness Eve fireworks are not scheduled in 2008, fireworks at the conclusion of Friday night's game (one of several post-game fireworks displays throughout the season that Bank of America sponsors) mean the sky will be just as bright.

Other Orioles discounts and specials, including the Dugout Club and student night, are going on at Camden Yards this weekend. Friday and Saturday are evening games, starting at 7:05 p.m.; Sunday's game is at 1:35 p.m. and will be televised locally by WJZ.

Getty/Tom Grill

Preakness Week is in full swing now. While participating in a Preakness party in Pimlico's infield is a right of passage for some, many prefer to celebrate from the comfort of their own home.

If you are planning a Preakness party for the big day Saturday, May 17, 2008, here are some helpful resources:

Food

• While it's a little early in the season for crabs, most Baltimore-area crab houses will have steamed crabs for take out, but order early.
• Check out these traditional recipes for Baltimore crab cakes or Maryland crab soup.
• Mix up a batch of Black-eyed Susans, the official drink of the Preakness.

Entertainment

While, of course, the race is the main entertainment, it only last two minutes, so here are a few more ideas:

• Post time/TV coverage
• "Maryland, My Maryland" - Do you know the words? Print them out here.
• Preakness traditions and trivia- Did you know the Preakness trophy was the most valuable in American sport?
• Preakness party game - Or make it simple and everyon can all just draw names from a hat for a Preakness pool.
• Preakness posters - Shop for Posters of Preakness winners and races.

More Links: Preakness Photos | Baltimore Hotels

All you procrastinators take note, Mother's Day is almost here. Sunday, May 11, 2008, is the big day. If you have not gotten your card in the mail, do so now! If you plan to spend the day with the special mother in your life or need last minute gift ideas, look here.

• Take her out to the ball game. The Orioles are at home in Camden Yards this weekend playing the Kansas City Royals. This is a great option if you have young kids.
• Belly up to the brunch buffet. These top brunch spots are always a great choice. But many restaurants offer Mother's Day specials for both brunch and dinner.
• Hit the mall. If you don't know what you want, go to a Baltimore area mall where you can find most anything. If you have something sweet or sparkly in mind, check out these lists of jewelers and candy stores.
• Flowers are always appreciated. If you can't get out to a local flower shop or your mother is far away, send flowers online.
• Let her take herself out with Restaurant.com certificates. If your mom doesn't live nearby, these restaurant certificates, which offer discounts to restaurants in Baltimore and across the country, are a great way to take her out to dinner. Though they do have minimum purchase amounts, (read more about how Restaurant.com works), Mom can dine out for very little. And now using the coupon code MOM, you can a $25 restaurant gift certificate and a $10 deLa Flowers gift certificate for just $5. With the same code get 50 percent off the Dinner of the Month Club plus the flowers gift certificate.