The historic Pimlico Race Course is set for a thrilling renewal of the G1 Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, where Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism aims to solidify his class as the heavy 8-5 morning-line favorite.
Fresh off a valiant second-place effort in the Run for the Roses, the son of Curlin faces a field of eight determined rivals eager to etch their names into Triple Crown lore and claim the prestigious Middle Jewel.
This $2 million classic, contested over 1-3/16 miles on the dirt, promises a compelling contest.
While Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, rightfully commands attention, formidable challengers like the consistent Grade 1 winner Sandman (4-1) and Todd Pletcher’s hopeful River Thames (9-2) are poised to make their presence felt in a race that marks a pivotal moment in the three-year-old championship chase.
The Field
A closer look at the contenders for the 2025 G1 Preakness Stakes:
1. Goal Oriented (6-1)
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- This son of Not This Time enters the Preakness undefeated in two starts, including a determined allowance victory on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs where he earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure. While he cost a significant $425,000 as a yearling, indicating high expectations, he faces a steep class hike into Grade 1 company and needs a substantial Beyer improvement from his current 91 to match typical Preakness-winning figures (around 104). Trainer Bob Baffert, an eight-time Preakness winner, is no stranger to success in this race, and believes this lightly raced colt has the foundation for the Preakness. His speed and rail draw might necessitate an aggressive, front-running approach.
2. Journalism (8-5)
- Trainer: Michael McCarthy
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- The deserving favorite following an impressive second in the Kentucky Derby (G1), where he earned a 102 Beyer. This Curlin colt, an $825,000 yearling, has already banked over $1.6 million with wins in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe Stakes (G2) this year. His Beyer figures consistently meet the threshold of past Preakness winners, and his sire, Curlin, won this race. The primary concern is the quick two-week turnaround from a tough Derby effort, though his connections report he’s doing exceptionally well. Trainer Michael McCarthy won this race in 2021 with Rombauer. Jockey Umberto Rispoli praises him as “probably is the smartest horse I’ve ever rode”.
3. American Promise (15-1)
- Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
- Jockey: Nik Juarez
- A $750,000 son of Triple Crown winner Justify, American Promise showed speed in the Kentucky Derby before fading to 16th. He previously captured the Virginia Derby. While the Preakness pace might be less demanding, allowing him to conserve energy, his top Beyer of 95 needs significant improvement to contend. Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, seeking back-to-back Preakness wins and his eighth overall, is known for his aggressive placements. Jockey Nik Juarez gets a homecoming ride in his first Preakness.
4. Heart of Honor (GB) (12-1)
- Trainer: Jamie Osborne
- Jockey: Saffie Osborne
- This British-bred son of Honor A. P. brings international intrigue, having finished a game second in the UAE Derby (G2). He has shown consistency with four runner-up finishes in his last four starts across Meydan. Shipping halfway across the world and adapting to new surroundings are significant challenges. However, he has handled the distance well in Dubai, and the absence of some top American three-year-olds could open the door for this rare European contender. Recent reports indicate he has been practicing with the starting gate to address previous issues.
5. Pay Billy (20-1)
- Trainer: Michael Gorham
- Jockey: Raul Mena
- The local Maryland hope, Pay Billy has been a dominant force at Laurel Park, winning his last three starts including the Federico Tesio Stakes, a traditional Preakness prep. This son of Improbable has shown progressive form and improving Beyer figures with increased distance. While he needs to demonstrate a significant leap in class and speed figures (his top is an 85 Beyer) to be a major factor against Grade 1 competition, his connections are thrilled for the opportunity.
6. River Thames (9-2)
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- This Maclean’s Music colt has shown considerable promise in his four career starts, notably finishing third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and a close second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). His tactical speed allows him to be forwardly placed, potentially securing a stalking trip similar to his Blue Grass effort. While there are questions about him stretching out to the 1-3/16 miles Preakness distance, his sire produced 2017 Preakness winner Cloud Computing. Trainer Todd Pletcher is surprisingly still seeking his first Preakness victory.
7. Sandman (4-1)
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Jockey: John Velazquez
- Despite a non-threatening seventh in the Kentucky Derby on a sloppy track, this son of Tapit is a serious contender, having previously won the Arkansas Derby (G1) with a 99 Beyer. His late-running style can be a disadvantage at Pimlico, but if the pace is contentious, he could make a significant impact in the stretch. Trainer Mark Casse, who won this race in 2019 with War of Will, decided to enter Sandman after seeing how well he recovered from the Derby.
8. Clever Again (5-1)
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- This son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is lightly raced with only three starts but boasts two impressive wins, including a front-running victory in the Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn, earning a 101 Beyer. The potential absence of other dedicated speedsters could allow him to dictate the pace, although Goal Oriented from the rail also possesses early speed. While facing new challenges in terms of distance and class, his pedigree suggests he should handle the trip, and this presents a significant opportunity for him. Trainer Steve Asmussen has won the Preakness twice. Jockey Jose Ortiz believes he has “a really good shot to win”.
9. Gosger (20-1)
- Trainer: Brendan Walsh
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- A winner of the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland in his most recent start, earning an 87 Beyer. This Nyquist colt has only three races under his belt but shows potential for growth. Historically, lightly raced colts have won the Preakness. His tactical speed is an asset, and his pedigree (damsire Tapit has produced Belmont winners) suggests the distance should be within his scope. A bullet workout on May 10 indicates good current form, but a significant step forward is needed. He carries the legacy of his late owner/breeder Harvey Clarke.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: (2) Journalism (8-5) – His Kentucky Derby performance was outstanding, and he possesses the class and speed figures that typically win the Preakness. If the two-week turnaround isn’t an issue, he is the one to beat. Many experts share this sentiment.
Place: (6) River Thames (9-2) – Showed quality form in Florida and Kentucky, nearly defeating top company. His tactical speed should allow him to get a good position, and trainer Todd Pletcher targeting this race speaks volumes.
Show: (8) Clever Again (5-1) – Impressive in his limited starts with a high Beyer figure. If he can control the pace or sit just off it, his natural speed makes him dangerous, especially from a trainer adept with talented three-year-olds.
Wildcard: (7) Sandman (4-1) – His Arkansas Derby win was visually impressive and earned a strong number. If the Kentucky Derby was truly an aberration due to the sloppy track, and if a strong pace develops upfront, his closing kick could make him a major threat, even if Pimlico doesn’t always favor deep closers.
Longshot: (1) Goal Oriented (6-1) – While his odds aren’t excessively long, among those not in the top three picks, he has immense upside being undefeated and trained by Bob Baffert. If he handles the class jump and improves his speed figure significantly, his early speed from the rail could make him surprisingly tenacious. Some analysts see him as a live longshot.
Race Info
- Race: #13, Grade 1 – Preakness Stakes
- Date: Saturday May 17, 2025
- Scheduled Post Time: 7:01 PM ET
- Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD
- Distance: 1-3/16 miles, Track Record: 1:52.2
- Conditions: Three-year-olds
- Purse: $2M
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