Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 143rd Preakness Stakes. When: Post time is scheduled for 6:48 p.m. Eastern. How to watch: Race coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network and will switch to NBA at 5. The coverage will also be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Length: The race is 1 3/16 miles long. Weather: Track conditions are sure to be abysmal at Pimlico Race Course after days of rain in the region, and a flood watch remains in effect for the area through Saturday afternoon.