Ultimate 2025 Preakness Stakes Guide: Key Details, Favorites, and How to Watch!

The 150th Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. While the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty is disappointing, there’s still plenty to look forward to.

Preakness Stakes Details

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Post Time: 6:50 p.m. ET
• Where to Watch: Live on NBC and streaming on Peacock

Top Contenders

1. Goal Oriented (6-1)

   • Jockey: Flavien Prat
   • Trainer: Bob Baffert
   • Won an allowance race on May 3. Baffert, who has an impressive eight Preakness wins, is aiming for another victory with this promising colt.

2. Journalism (8-5)

   • Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
   • Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
   • A strong contender, he won the Santa Anita Derby and finished second in the Kentucky Derby. McCarthy has previously trained a Preakness winner, Rombauer.

3. American Promise (15-1)

   • Jockey: Nik Juarez
   • Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
   • Finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby, but Lukas is known for his Preakness successes, with seven wins to his name.

4. Heart of Honor (12-1)

   • Jockey: Saffie Osborne
   • Trainer: Jamie A. Osborne
   • An international contender who raced in Dubai, he finished second in the UAE Derby last month.

5. Pay Billy (20-1)

   • Jockey: Raul Mena
   • Trainer: Michael E. Gorham
   • Recently won the Federico Tesio and is making his Preakness debut along with his ownership group.

6. River Thames (9-2)

   • Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
   • Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
   • Finished second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Notably, Pletcher is looking for his first Preakness win after ten attempts.

7. Sandman (4-1)

   • Jockey: John Velazquez
   • Trainer: Mark E. Casse
   • Won the Arkansas Derby but struggled at the Kentucky Derby, finishing seventh. One of his owners, Vincent Viola, also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers.

8. Clever Again (5-1)

   • Jockey: Jose Ortiz
   • Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
   • A promising horse with two wins in three starts, Clever Again has earned over $198,000 since being bought for $500,000 last year.
9. Gosger (20-1)
   • Jockey: Luis Saez
   • Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
   • Recently won the G3 Lexington. Gosger has raced three times, achieving two wins and one second place.

Current Trends and Insights

Social media buzz is building as fans discuss potential favorites and what the absence of the Derby winner means for the race. Historically, the Preakness has often seen surprises, with lesser-known horses sometimes stealing the show. Recent trends show that underdog stories capture the audience’s hearts, making for exciting viewing.

In the world of horse racing, upsets can happen at any moment, reminding us that every horse has a chance to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, this year’s Preakness promises to be thrilling.

For more insights and updates about the event, you can check the official Preakness website.

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