The 2025 Preakness Stakes: A Shifting Landscape
The Absence of Sovereignty
The 2025 Preakness Stakes has been significantly impacted by the decision of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, to skip the race. This announcement has reshuffled the odds and expectations for the upcoming event. Sovereignty’s absence opens the door for other contenders to step into the spotlight, altering the dynamic of the race and presenting new opportunities for bettors.
The New Favorite: Journalism
With Sovereignty out of the picture, Journalism, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby, has emerged as the clear favorite. The odds currently place Journalism at 5-2, reflecting the confidence in his ability to secure a victory. Journalism’s strong performance in the Derby, coupled with his consistent speed and endurance, makes him a formidable contender. His trainer, Bob Baffert, is known for his strategic approach and ability to prepare horses for high-stakes races, further bolstering Journalism’s chances.
The Contenders
Goal Oriented and Clever Again
Following Journalism in the odds are Goal Oriented at 5-1 and Clever Again at 6-1. Goal Oriented has shown promise with his recent performances, while Clever Again, trained by Steve Asmussen, is known for his speed and tactical racing. Despite being a longshot at 12-1, Clever Again’s strong bloodlines and impressive speed figures suggest he could be a dark horse in the race.
Rodriguez and Sandman
Rodriguez, initially a strong contender, was ruled out due to a foot injury, which has further shifted the odds. Sandman, now at 7-2, steps into the spotlight as a potential winner. His consistent performances and the experience of his trainer make him a solid bet. The absence of Rodriguez has also allowed other horses to rise in the rankings, creating a more unpredictable race.
The Longshots
The longshots in the 2025 Preakness Stakes include horses like River Thames, American Promise, and Heart of Honor. These horses, with odds ranging from 12-1 to 30-1, present intriguing opportunities for bettors looking for a significant payout. While their chances of winning are lower, their inclusion adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the race.
The Impact of Post Positions
The post position draw, scheduled for Monday, May 12, will play a crucial role in determining the final odds and strategies for the race. The post position can significantly influence a horse’s performance, with some positions offering better starting advantages than others. This draw will be closely watched by experts and bettors alike, as it could provide valuable insights into the potential outcomes of the race.
Expert Insights
Horse racing expert Jody Demling, known for his accurate predictions, has provided valuable insights and betting picks for the 2025 Preakness Stakes. His analysis suggests that while Journalism is the favorite, the race is far from decided. Demling’s expertise and track record of successful predictions make his insights particularly valuable for bettors looking to make informed decisions.
Conclusion: A Race of Uncertainty
The 2025 Preakness Stakes promises to be a thrilling event filled with uncertainty and excitement. With Sovereignty’s absence, the field is wide open, and the odds are constantly shifting. Journalism leads the pack, but horses like Goal Oriented, Clever Again, and Sandman present strong challenges. The post position draw will further shape the dynamics of the race, adding another layer of intrigue. As the race approaches, bettors and enthusiasts alike will be closely monitoring the developments, making the 2025 Preakness Stakes a must-watch event. The unpredictability and the high stakes make this race one to remember, where any of the contenders could emerge victorious.
