The Preakness Stakes may have the fewest horses among the Triple Crown races, but that doesn’t mean it’s straightforward. In fact, longshots often surprise everyone. Just look at the last four winners—two were over 10-1 odds. Last year, Seize the Grey shocked fans by winning at 12-1. This year, American Promise comes in with odds of 15-1 after a rough Kentucky Derby. Being the son of Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner, could he be a hidden gem?
This year, Journalism leads the pack as the 8-5 favorite, with Sandman close behind at 4-1. Preakness Stakes post time is set for 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday. Before placing any bets, check out predictions from horse racing expert Jody Demling, who has a strong track record in Triple Crown races.
Demling has years of experience in the horse racing scene. He accurately predicted the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby this year and has correctly chosen 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners. Last year, he even nailed the trifecta. His insights can be crucial in guiding your bets. So far, his followers on platforms like FanDuel Racing have seen significant profits.
Regarding the 2025 predictions, we learned that Sovereignty won’t participate in this year’s Stakes. He had some strong performances but won’t be racing due to an injury to one of his competitors. Journalism remains the frontrunner after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, and because Sovereignty is out, he’s likely to hold the favorite status in this next race.
Interestingly, the favorite hasn’t won the Preakness in the last six years. In fact, only a horse that won the Kentucky Derby has clinched victory in the Preakness race in over a decade. Journalism might be a top performer, but he faces stiff competition, especially from Bob Baffert’s seasoned horses. Baffert has several Preakness victories under his belt, while Journalism’s trainer, Michael W. McCarthy, has just one.
While many fans look to Journalism, Demling is particularly intrigued by Clever Again, a 5-1 longshot. Despite being less experienced, he’s coming off two wins and has a strong pedigree as the son of American Pharoah, the 2015 Triple Crown winner. With top jockey Jose Ortiz on board, Clever Again could surprise the crowd.
In betting strategy, Demling highlights a longshot that could impact exotic wagers. His full 2025 Preakness betting picks and leaderboard projections are available, providing a deeper look into potential outcomes.
Overall, the Preakness Stakes 2025 has some exciting possibilities. Keep an eye on Journalism as the favorite but don’t underestimate the potential of other contenders like Clever Again. With the odds shifting, this race could hold plenty of surprises.
For more insights and horse racing predictions, check out expert analyses at SportsLine.