Derby winner Hill Gail had to be withdrawn from the Preakness as a result of an injury, but Blue Man still faced a solid field led by Walter M. Jeffords' highly regarded One Count, who was to be ridden by star jockey, Eddie Arcaro.
Blue Man was ridden by Conn McCreary, a top jockey and future Hall of Fame inductee who had won the 1944 Preakness and was known for his dramatic come-from behind rides.
In typical McCreary style, by the time he and Blue Man reached the three-quarter pole they were at the back of the pack, running ahead of just one other horse.
[1] Sent to compete in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the 1 +1 ⁄2 mile Belmont Stakes, Blue Man ran second to One Count.
Retired to stud duty, in 1958 Blue Man was sold to Canadian breeder Frank R. Conklin who stood him at his Midway Farm in Brantford, Ontario.