Horse racing fans, welcome to one of the sport’s most celebrated weekends. This Saturday, May 17, the eyes of the racing world will turn to Baltimore for the 150th Preakness Stakes, a milestone event marking the end of an era at historic Pimlico Race Course. The iconic venue has been home to countless racing legends since 1873, and is now set for major redevelopment after this year’s race, making Saturday’s contest a bittersweet yet unforgettable chapter in the Triple Crown series.
While the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty removes the hope of a Triple Crown winner in 2025, the field assembled for the Preakness is brimming with talent, storylines, and betting intrigue. Nine contenders will face off in what promises to be a high-stakes, high-drama showdown.
Journalism (Post 2, 8-5 Favorite)
Journalism arrives at Pimlico with one of the strongest track records in the field. The California-based colt has never finished worse than third and was the Kentucky Derby betting favorite, only to finish second by 1.5 lengths behind Sovereignty. His Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby win in April showed his ability to stalk the pace and finish with authority, a style that suits the Preakness’ shorter distance.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, who won the 2021 Preakness with Rombauer, Journalism is well-positioned to deliver again for his connections. With experience at the highest level and tactical speed to adapt to different race shapes, Journalism enters as the most proven horse in the field.
Take a look at the latest Preakness odds to see how this contender is shaping up as race day gets closer. Odds can shift based on how the horse is training, what the experts are saying, or even where the money’s going—so it’s a good way to gauge the buzz around a potential winner.
Sandman (Post 7, 4-1)
Sandman may have disappointed bettors with his seventh-place finish in the Derby, but it was a race that did not set up well for his running style. His victory in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby showcased his ability to sit off the pace and surge late, a strategy that could work much better in the Preakness’ nine-horse field. With Hall of Famer John Velazquez aboard, Sandman brings experience and class. His connections are confident that the tighter, less crowded Preakness will give him the exemplary scenario to rebound.
River Thames (Post 6, 9–2)
River Thames skipped the Kentucky Derby, giving him a freshness advantage that several rivals will not have. He nearly defeated Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, losing by just a neck, which places him close to the top of this generation’s talent.
While his third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes was not a win, it was a competitive effort against a challenging field. With Todd Pletcher, one of the most successful trainers in modern racing, and top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. handling the ride, River Thames is a live contender to make his first Triple Crown race a winning one.
Clever Again (Post 8, 5–1)
Lightly raced but undefeated as a 3-year-old, Clever Again comes into the Preakness off two front-running victories at Oaklawn Park, including a four-length score in the Hot Springs Stakes. The son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Clever Again, possesses natural speed that could allow him to control the pace from the break.
The colt’s success has come while racing on the front end, which could either give him a tactical edge or expose him if pressured early. With Steve Asmussen, a two-time Preakness winner, in his corner, Clever Again has the backing of one of the sport’s elite trainers.
Goal Oriented (Post 1, 6-1)
Goal Oriented enters with limited experience but maximum intrigue. The horse broke his maiden impressively at Santa Anita in early April and followed that up with a front-running win on Kentucky Derby Day in an undercard allowance race. Though stepping up in class, Goal Oriented benefits from the guidance of Bob Baffert, who seeks a record-extending ninth Preakness victory. With Flavien Prat riding, this colt could make an impact early from the inside post. Whether his inexperience will catch up to him remains the question.
Heart of Honor (Post 4, 12-1)
This British-bred colt will make his U.S. debut after a consistent but winless winter campaign in Dubai. His runner-up finishes in the UAE 2000 Guineas, Al Bastakiya, and UAE Derby show he can compete over different distances. However, he has yet to win beyond a maiden race, and the transition to U.S. racing adds uncertainty. His pedigree and international experience make him one to watch, though he may be better suited to longer distances or turf in the future.
American Promise (Post 3, 15–1)
After finishing 16th in the Derby, American Promise returns looking for redemption. His connections, including Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, have seen success in this race seven times before, including last year with Seize the Grey. Despite his long odds, Lukas’ knack for finding improvement in overlooked horses makes him worth considering. However, based on his recent form, he must make a significant effort to contend.
Gosger (Post 9, 20-1)
Gosger steps up after winning the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, a race often producing under-the-radar Preakness runners. He overcame traffic and closed firmly in that race, suggesting that stamina is not an issue. Luis Saez, one of the most aggressive jockeys in the game, adds value to this longshot. The outside post is not ideal, but Gosger could make noise in the final furlong with the right trip.
Pay Billy (Post 5, 20-1)
Pay Billy has two consecutive stakes victories at nearby Laurel Park, including the Federico Tesio Stakes, a local Preakness prep. While those wins came against softer competition, Pay Billy has shown the ability to rate or go to the lead, making him tactically versatile. He faces a severe class test in this field, but his connections believe he deserves the shot. He could pick up the pieces late if the pace collapses up front.
Ready for Race Day
With nine horses confirmed, the 2025 Preakness Stakes looks like a wide-open race. Journalism is the favorite after finishing second in the Derby, but horses like Sandman, River Thames, Clever Again, and Goal Oriented can win. Longshots such as Heart of Honor, American Promise, Gosger, and Pay Billy will try to pull off the upset.
No matter who comes out on top, the 150th Preakness Stakes will crown a new winner and set the stage for the Belmont Stakes next month.
