The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, stands as one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. This prestigious race, often known as the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is gathering excitement despite the absence of a Triple Crown contender this year. This report delves into the key details of the race, including the favorites, betting odds, expert predictions, post positions, and notable narratives shaping the 2025 Preakness Stakes.
Race Overview and Context
The Preakness Stakes traditionally follows the Kentucky Derby as the middle leg of the Triple Crown series. For 2025, the race is set for a 7:01 p.m. ET post time at Pimlico Race Course, a historic venue that has hosted the event since 1873. However, the 2026 Preakness may be relocated to Laurel Park due to construction at Pimlico, marking 2025 as a significant final running at this classic setting before an expected hiatus or transition.
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, a strong early favorite at 8-5 odds, has notably withdrawn from the Preakness, eliminating the possibility of a Triple Crown winner in 2025. Sovereignty’s absence shifts the focus to other standout entrants, particularly Journalism, who finished second in the Derby and is now the morning-line favorite at 8-5 odds.
Key Contenders and Favorites
Journalism: The Morning-Line Favorite
Journalism, known for his impressive runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby, has taken the spotlight as the 2025 Preakness favorite. Assigned post position No. 2, Journalism is well-placed for a strong showing. His current odds of 8-5 reflect bookmakers’ confidence in his ability to capitalize on Sovereignty’s absence. Expert commentators and horse racing analysts have frequently highlighted Journalism’s strong finishing kick and experience as significant assets.
Rodriguez and Clever Again: Strong Challengers
Following Journalism, horses like Rodriguez (priced roughly at 5-1 odds) and Clever Again are drawing expert attention for potential upset victories. Rodriguez enters the race with competitive odds and skilled jockeyship, though post position and prior performances will play crucial roles. Clever Again’s placement and racing history make it a contender recommended by some handicappers, who note trends favoring upsets against the favorite at Preakness.
Long Shots and Dark Horses
Several horses stand out as long shots with intriguing potential. American Promise, with 15-1 odds, is trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, aiming to tie or best records for most Preakness wins and become the oldest Triple Crown race-winning trainer. Gosger, holding the longest odds at 20-1, represents a significant gamble for bettors seeking high rewards. These entries reflect the depth of the field and the potential for surprise outcomes beyond the leading favorites.
Post Positions and Strategic Impact
The draw for post positions is critical in the Preakness, with a nine-horse field assigned for 2025. Journalism’s favorable placement in the No. 2 post allows a clean start close to the rail, typically advantageous given the Preakness’s 1 3/16 mile distance and track configuration. Other contenders face variable post assignments that could influence race dynamics, especially in light of the competitive jockey lineup. Notably, jockey Saez must outperform three previous Preakness winners to claim the top prize, underscoring the tactical complexity ahead.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Top handicappers with strong track records, including Jeff Hochman and Ed DeRosa, have shared nuanced predictions that often defy conventional wisdom. Hochman, who has profited in 22 of the last 36 Triple Crown races, has a history of identifying winners like Big Brown in 2008, lending credibility to his recommendations for this year’s Preakness. DeRosa’s picks stress the importance of race-day conditions and suggest nuanced wagering strategies.
A consensus trend among experts suggests a healthy skepticism toward the favorite, Journalistic, highlighting the historical challenge of beating the winner of the Kentucky Derby at the Preakness. Some prognosticators point to clever use of exotics and combination bets to maximize returns, given the potential volatility in the nine-horse lineup.
The Bold Narrative: No Triple Crown, But High Stakes Remain
While the absence of a Triple Crown candidate due to Sovereignty’s withdrawal might temper some expectations, the 2025 Preakness Stakes remains a marquee event due to the competitive field and the historic milestone of the 150th running. With a $2 million purse and a roster of skilled jockeys, trainers, and horses, the race promises top-tier competition and tactical intrigue.
The event also sparks interest as an opportunity for trainers like D. Wayne Lukas to set new records and for emerging jockeys to make their mark on Triple Crown history. In addition, the pending changes to Pimlico’s future hosting status add contextual weight to this edition, making it a memorable race regardless of the winner.
Conclusion: A Race Rich in History and Uncertainty
The 2025 Preakness Stakes encapsulates the essence of high-stakes horse racing: tradition, talent, unpredictability, and strategy converge on one iconic Saturday evening. Journalism stands as the leading favorite, but expert analyses and historical trends caution bettors and fans alike to consider multiple outcomes. With skilled trainers, ambitious jockeys, and a strong field of contenders, the race promises excitement and competitive excellence.
As Pimlico hosts what may be one of its last Preakness Stakes for a while, the event’s vibrancy remains undiminished, offering racing enthusiasts a captivating spectacle. For those placing bets, understanding the nuanced odds, the impact of post positions, and respecting the expertise of veteran handicappers will be key to navigating the thrilling uncertainty of Preakness 2025.
