BALTIMORE — Rain is expected to drench the Baltimore area early Saturday, but the showers should let up well before the Preakness.

        The National Weather Service said thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday night and continue through early Saturday morning before subsiding before noon.

        That would give the track at Pimlico Race Course plenty of time to dry before the Preakness, which is scheduled to start at 6:09 p.m. EDT.

        “This track would be really bad only if it rained all day,” said Nick Zito, trainer of Straight Gin and Crimson Hero. “If it rains and stops, it will be wet-fast.”

        The forecast after noon Saturday calls for clouds and temperatures in the lower 60s.

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