The 2025 Preakness Stakes stands as one of horse racing’s most anticipated events, marking its 150th running on May 17 at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. This edition carries additional historical significance as it will be the last at Pimlico before the race’s temporary move to Laurel Park due to planned renovations. The field for the Preakness has attracted considerable attention, especially given the absence of Derby winner Sovereignty, who has chosen instead to aim for the Belmont Stakes, thereby guaranteeing no Triple Crown winner this year. This dynamic has reshaped expert predictions, betting odds, and the overall competitive landscape.
The Field and Key Contenders
The 2025 Preakness Stakes features a relatively smaller field of nine horses with Journalism positioned as the morning-line favorite at odds of 8-5. Journalism, finishing second in the Kentucky Derby behind Sovereignty, has emerged as the top contender. His impressive track record this season, including significant earnings and commendable finishes, boosts his betting appeal. Notably, he will break from the second post, which some handicappers consider advantageous.
Other notable entrants include
– Clever Again (5-1): Expert handicapper Jody Demling, who has an outstanding record of accurately predicting Preakness outcomes, rates Clever Again highly despite his underdog odds. This horse’s tactical speed and previous graded stakes performance make him a strong dark horse.
– Sandman (4-1): Positioned as a secondary favorite, Sandman seeks redemption after a less-than-stellar Kentucky Derby performance. His competing style and conditioning have elicited positive forecasts from several handicappers.
– River Thames (9-2) and Goal Oriented (6-1): Both are considered capable contenders with solid pedigrees and prior race credentials. Their post positions and past form place them in the mix for an upset.
– Gosger (20-1): Represents the biggest longshot in the race, with odds reflecting skepticism from betting markets. However, the unpredictability of Triple Crown races means that such outsiders can impact exotic wager pools substantially.
Impact of Sovereignty’s Absence
Sovereignty’s absence from the Preakness shifts the spotlight entirely to Journalism and the chasing pack. Usually, a Kentucky Derby winner sets a high bar, but with Sovereignty redirecting his campaign to the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness storyline centers on who can capitalize on the open field.
This decision effectively eliminates the possibility of a Triple Crown, which adds a different kind of suspense. Analysts note that this situation often benefits horses that perform well over the Preakness distance and handle Pimlico’s track configuration. Experts suggest this may increase the importance of post positions, pace scenarios, and strategic jockey decisions.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Top handicappers including Jeff Hochman, Jody Demling, Gene Menez, and Ed DeRosa have weighed in with their picks, blending objective analysis with betting acumen. Hochman, whose expertise has yielded profits in over 60% of Triple Crown races he has analyzed, is surprisingly bullish on Clever Again for the upset, citing the horse’s speed figures and race tactics.
Gene Menez, known for capitalizing at the Kentucky Derby exacta and trifecta markets, presents a contrarian view by fading the favorite Journalism, favoring a more moderate approach that looks for value in mid-card contenders like Sandman or River Thames.
Ed DeRosa focuses on tactical positioning and morning-line odds, favoring horses that have shown consistency and stamina in lead-up races. His approach emphasizes betting strategy adjustments as race day unfolds, often recommending box bets and exotic wagers to mitigate risk while capturing profit potential.
Handicappers also debate the advantage of outside versus inside post positions. While Journalism’s second post is generally favorable, some suggest that horses breaking from outer posts, like Clever Again or Goal Oriented, may benefit from cleaner running lanes, potentially offsetting shorter odds favorites.
The Venue Transition: From Pimlico to Laurel Park
2025’s Preakness will be Pimlico’s final hosting before the race shifts in 2026 to Laurel Park, near Washington, D.C., due to major renovations. This transition creates a bittersweet atmosphere, as fans celebrate the history of Pimlico while anticipating new chapters at Laurel. The move may impact future race conditions, betting patterns, and training strategies, though the 2025 Preakness maintains traditional elements that bettors and fans cherish.
The Pimlico track layout, weather conditions expected in May, and crowd dynamics traditionally influence outcomes. Trainers and jockeys familiar with Pimlico’s idiosyncrasies may see this as a last opportunity to leverage home-track advantages.
Analysis of Betting Trends and Odds
Current odds place Journalism as favorite, with odds fluctuating as race day approaches. The shorter field compared to the Kentucky Derby concentrates betting interest, yet uncertainties due to the absence of Sovereignty inject an element of unpredictability.
Wagering pools are expected to favor exotic bets such as exactas and trifectas, particularly with contenders like Clever Again and Sandman offering enticing payouts due to their odds positioning. Meanwhile, longshots like Gosger could attract speculative bets, especially amongst bettors seeking high-risk, high-reward outcomes.
Betting experts frequently advise watching morning-line movements, jockey changes, and weather updates, as each can meaningfully impact final odds.
Conclusion: The 150th Preakness Stakes – A Race of Opportunity and Change
The 2025 Preakness Stakes emerges as a confluence of tradition, competition, and transformation. Absent the presence of the Derby champion Sovereignty, the race opens a gateway for Journalism and a cadre of challengers battling for prestige and prize money. This edition also symbolizes a historic closing chapter for Pimlico while setting the stage for future evolution with the move to Laurel Park.
With expert analysis pointing toward Clever Again as a potential surprise alongside strong favorites like Journalism and Sandman, bettors and fans face a landscape ripe with strategic possibilities. The race promises not just thrilling finishes but also insightful lessons on pace, positioning, and the shifting dynamics of Triple Crown campaigns.
For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the 150th Preakness Stakes offers a moment to witness horse racing’s rich heritage intersect with evolving narratives, where expert insights and betting acumen can greatly enhance the viewing and wagering experience.
