The 2025 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a compelling chapter in the storied tradition of this prestigious horse racing event. Scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at Pimlico Race Course, this race marks the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, also known as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” and offers a rich field of contenders vying for a $2 million prize.
Overview of the Field and Key Absences
A significant storyline heading into the 2025 Preakness is the notable withdrawal of Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner, who has decided not to participate. This absence continues a recent trend where several Derby winners opt out of the Preakness; four of the last seven Derby winners have skipped this race. Sovereignty’s decision leaves the door wide open for other top contenders to seize the spotlight and has reshaped the betting landscape.
Among the prominent entrants is Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, who currently stands as the favorite at 8-5 odds. Journalism drew post position No. 2, placing it in a favorable spot in the starting gate for the nine-horse field. Other leading contenders include Sandman at 4-1 odds, Clever Again at 5-1, and Goal Oriented at 6-1. Lesser-favored but well-regarded horses include American Promise (15-1) and River Thames (9-2), each bringing potential for an upset or a strong showing.
Expert Insights and Betting Perspectives
Jody Demling, a renowned horse racing expert and SportsLine analyst, has emerged as a valuable source of insight for bettors this year. Known for his sharp acumen—having nailed 10 of 20 past Preakness Stakes winners and predicting the last two trifecta finishes—Demling’s analysis carries significant weight among enthusiasts and wagerers alike.
Demling highlights the strategic implications of Sovereignty’s absence and focuses attention on Journalism’s strong position, noting his favorable post draw and prior Kentucky Derby performance. Demling also points to Sandman, Clever Again, and Goal Oriented as serious contenders with solid odds, encouraging bettors to consider a mix of favorites and strong outsiders in futures bets.
Moreover, Jody Demling’s picks leverage his extensive experience, suggesting a balanced approach combining pace considerations, jockey performance, and horse conditioning. His insights underline the unpredictability inherent in the Preakness, especially given that the past five Preakness winners did not compete in the Kentucky Derby, illustrating a unique dynamic that often upends expectations.
Race Dynamics and Historical Context
The Preakness Stakes distance and conditions encourage different race tactics compared to the Kentucky Derby, often favoring horses with speedy starts and the ability to sustain pace over a slightly shorter track. The absence of certain Derby participants like Sovereignty may shift the pace setup, potentially benefiting front-runners like Sandman or clever closers like Clever Again.
Historically, the Preakness has seen dramatic finishes and unexpected victories, emphasizing the importance of post positions, jockey choices, and split-second decisions during the race. The 2025 race is also notable for coinciding with the trend of fresh competitors emerging strongly, as the Preakness draws not only Derby veterans but also fresh horses rested and aimed specifically at this race.
Strategic Betting Approaches for 2025 Preakness
For bettors considering futures and race-day wagers, the 2025 Preakness Stakes requires a nuanced analysis. Demling advises focusing on horses with strong recent performances, advantageous post positions, and jockeys experienced at Pimlico. He recommends considering combinations for trifectas and exactas to capitalize on the field’s depth and the high potential for surprises.
Key betting angles include:
– Favoring Journalism given his status as Derby runner-up and favorable odds.
– Assessing Sandman and Clever Again for potential value bets based on their competitive odds and running styles.
– Watching for dark horses like Goal Oriented and American Promise who can exploit pace shifts.
– Taking into account the impact of Sovereignty’s withdrawal on the race tempo and betting pools.
Conclusion: A Preakness Stakes Full of Promise and Uncertainty
The 2025 Preakness Stakes represents a fascinating intersection of tradition, competition, and unpredictability. With a strong lineup led by Journalism and seasoned contenders like Sandman and Clever Again, combined with the tactical void left by Sovereignty’s withdrawal, this race promises thrilling moments and strategic depth.
Expert Jody Demling’s history of accurate predictions adds a valuable lens through which to view the unfolding story at Pimlico. His picks and analysis provide both casual fans and serious bettors with actionable insights to navigate the complexity of this high-stakes contest.
As May 17 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the spectacle of speed and stamina but also for the narratives that will emerge—a testament to why the Preakness Stakes remains a crown jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown series. Whether you bet or simply enjoy the race, the 2025 Preakness promises excitement and unforgettable drama on the track.
