Free House, runner-up in the 1997 Preakness, is the early favorite at 8-5 odds over Real Quiet, at 2-1, for Saturday's 34th running of the Pimlico Special.

The $500,000 Special is the same distance as the Preakness, 1 3/16 miles. Real Quiet won last year's Preakness by 2 1/4 lengths over Victory Gallop. Free House, unbeaten in two races this year, put in a final prep at Hollywood Park this weekend. He went five furlongs in 1 minute, 1 2/5 seconds.

Real Quiet, who hasn't won since last year's Preakness, will be ridden by Gary Stevens. Chris McCarron will ride Free House.

Precocity is the third favorite at 7-2 and will be ridden by Pat Day.

Other likely starters are Early Warning, Fred Bear Claw, Brushing Up and China Show.

Bill Dixon of Annapolis, owner of Mea Culpa Stable, disclosed yesterday that he has purchased half-interest in Fred Bear Claw and will use Edgar Prado as jockey.

The Pimlico Special will be telecast live on ABC Sports at 3: 43 p.m.

Pub Date: 5/04/99