In a unique fusion of rock and racing, the legendary heavy metal band Metallica has thrown its full support behind Sandman, one of the top contenders in this weekend’s 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Trainer Mark Casse admits he wasn’t originally a Metallica fan—at least not until he started working with the promising colt named Sandman. But the band’s iconic anthem, Enter Sandman, has become something of a rallying cry for the horse’s journey through the Triple Crown series.
That enthusiasm has become mutual. Metallica front man James Hetfield met Sandman at Churchill Downs before the Kentucky Derby and, ahead of the Preakness, recorded a special video message to cheer on the horse and his connections.
“We’re excited to cheer on the people’s horse, Sandman, who’s heading to Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore this Saturday for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown,” Hetfield said. “Metallica would like to wish Sandman and his awesome team good luck for a safe and winning trip at Preakness 150. Enter Sandman!”
The band even sent custom Metallica shirts to Casse Racing, ensuring the entire operation is decked out in full rock-and-roll spirit. As a token of appreciation, Casse sent Hetfield a signed hat—and was surprised to receive a pair of Metallica-logoed underwear in return.
“I will be wearing them,” Casse said with a laugh. “There’ll be no stone unturned.”
Sandman will need all the luck—and perhaps the edge of a rock anthem—after a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. The colt, known for running from behind, was at a disadvantage in the slop at Churchill Downs, with 18 horses ahead kicking back mud.
“He just never got comfortable,” Casse said. “That’s why we’re here. We’re going to throw that one out. Hopefully we get a better track on Saturday, and even if we don’t, we’re only going to have eight horses throwing mud back at us.”
One of those rivals is River Thames, trained by Todd Pletcher, who made his Preakness debut at Pimlico on Thursday after arriving late Wednesday. Exercise rider Nick Merritt described the colt as calm and collected.
“Just trying to keep him happy for the race, essentially,” Merritt said. “Chill, chill horse. He’s taking it all in.”
Pletcher, a two-time Derby and four-time Belmont winner, has yet to capture the Preakness. River Thames enters as the 9-2 third choice behind 8-5 favorite Journalism and Sandman at 4-1.
Meanwhile, Hall of Fame trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas added some comic relief to the lead-up during the annual Alibi Breakfast, joking about stall assignments and poking fun at their peers.
“We’ve got to watch out for this Mark Casse,” Lukas said. “He’s won the Sovereign Award in Canada about 35 times.”
Baffert chimed in with a grin, “What happens in Canada stays in Canada. It’s like Vegas, OK?”
To which Lukas added, “It doesn’t count. Mark, nothing counts in Canada.”
The jokes may fly, but the competition is serious. With Metallica behind him and a shot at redemption, Sandman is ready to rock Pimlico.