The 2025 Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown, commands strong attention with a compelling field of contenders, notable absences, and seasoned expert analysis shaping the betting landscape as the race approaches. Set for Saturday, May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, this 150th running of the Preakness Stakes offers a unique blend of familiar faces and fresh angles, making it a must-watch event for enthusiasts and bettors alike.
The Favorites: Journalism and the Shifting Odds
Journalism emerges unanimously as the morning-line and public favorite with odds consistently pegged at 8-5 across multiple sportsbooks. This horse, who secured an impressive runner-up finish in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and boasts victories in Grade 1 and Grade 2 stakes, is lauded by experts as the bettor’s best bet for the Preakness. The extensive coverage underscores his strong form, jockey craftsmanship under Umberto Rispoli, and training by McCarthy, all contributing to his current top billing.
Oddsmakers and horse racing writers note that Journalism’s odds are likely to shorten as the event nears—reflective of his perceived reliability and public confidence. His compelling performances position him as a favorite not only in terms of likelihood to win but also through consistency, with sharp speed figures and stamina suited to the demanding 1 3/16-mile distance of the Preakness.
Absences and Impact on the Field
One of the defining storylines of this year’s race is the absence of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner trained by Bill Mott, who will not compete at Pimlico. Sovereignty’s withdrawal reshuffles the competitive landscape, removing what could have been a dominant contender and opening the door for other horses like Journalism and Rodriguez to seize the spotlight.
This absence injects intrigue into both public perception and expert handicapping. Market odds reflect this shift as other contenders with strong performances or promising pedigrees gain more attention.
Other Contenders: Dark Horses and Challengers
Beyond Journalism, the field features several other noteworthy horses capturing expert interest and attractive odds.
– Sandman: Positioned as the second betting favorite at approximately 4-1 odds. Sandman also appeared in the Kentucky Derby, signaling competitive readiness.
– River Thames: After enjoying a lengthy recovery period of nearly six weeks, River Thames enters the Preakness with odds near 9-2. The extended rest could translate into a fresher, stronger performance.
– Clever Again: Expert pundits highlight this contender as a potential surprise despite longer odds around 12-1. The horse’s bloodlines and past speed figures hint at untapped potential.
– Goal Oriented: Under Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Goal Oriented is regarded with respect, carrying odds near 6-1 and seen as capable of challenging the front-runners.
Additional horses such as American Promise (15-1) and Rodriguez also factor into picking strategies, especially for the exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas.
Expert Predictions and Betting Strategies
The voices of seasoned handicappers like Gene Menez and Jody Demling dominate the analytical scene this year. Menez successfully nailed exacta and trifecta bets in the Kentucky Derby and offers his 2025 Preakness strategy rooted in careful assessment of form, rest periods, and tactical race dynamics. Demling, noted for correctly predicting multiple Preakness winners in recent years, stresses that while Journalism remains the safest bet, watches should not ignore contenders capable of unexpected runs.
Expert commentary acknowledges the importance of the Kentucky Derby results as a precursor. Horses showing strong finishes there often return in solid shape, while some bettors may consider fresh entrants who skipped the Derby to come into the Preakness rejuvenated.
Venue and Historical Context
The 2025 edition marks the penultimate running at Pimlico before the anticipated temporary relocation of the Preakness to Laurel Park in 2026 due to renovations. This historical context adds to the race’s atmosphere, emphasizing tradition while acknowledging upcoming change in the iconic setting.
The race’s time—scheduled for 7:01 p.m. ET—maximizes viewership and betting volume, ensuring that the Preakness not only keeps its sporting significance but also retains its status as a marquee entertainment event.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Preakness Landscape Awaiting Resolution
The 2025 Preakness Stakes sets up as a riveting contest balancing the favorite Journalism’s apparent dominance with the unpredictability inherent in horse racing. The fluttering of odds, the strategic withdrawal of Shepherd Sovereignty, and the emergence of promising challengers create a rich betting environment fueled by expert insights and historical performance.
For bettors and enthusiasts, this race provides diverse avenues—from backing the seasoned favorite to exploring higher-value dark horses with intriguing pedigrees and rested conditions. As the 150th running unfolds at Pimlico, it encapsulates both the celebration of tradition and the intensity of modern horse racing strategy, promising drama, tactical nuance, and memorable moments in the pursuit of the coveted Black-Eyed Susans wreath.
