2025 Preakness Stakes: Expert Betting Guide and Race Insights

Introduction

The 2025 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be an exciting event, even without the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, who is skipping the race to focus on the Belmont. This year’s Preakness will feature a mix of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, making it a thrilling race for both fans and bettors alike.

Key Storylines

Absence of Kentucky Derby Winner: Sovereignty’s decision to bypass the Preakness is a rare but increasingly common occurrence in recent years. This opens the door for other contenders to shine.
Historic Context: The modern order of the Triple Crown races has been established since 1932, with notable Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness due to various reasons.
Pimlico Renovations: This will be the final Preakness at Pimlico for several years as the historic track undergoes significant renovations. The race will temporarily move to Laurel Park.

Top Contenders

Journalism: The betting favorite and most accomplished horse in the field, Journalism seeks redemption after a second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Sandman: Named after the Metallica song "Enter Sandman," this closer has switched back to normal horseshoes and could benefit from a fast pace.
Newcomers: Goal Oriented and Clever Again, trained by Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen respectively, are lightly raced but show potential for better odds.

Betting Strategies

Journalism: A tough favorite to bet against, but his ability to sit back and capitalize on a speed duel makes him a strong contender.
Sandman: Keep an eye on his performance as a closer; a fast pace could play to his strengths.
Newcomers: For bettors seeking value, Goal Oriented and Clever Again offer intriguing possibilities.

2025 Preakness Field

Post	Silk	Name	Odds	Trainer	Jockey	Style	Record	Best Beyer
1	Goal Oriented	6-1	Bob Baffert	Flavien Prat	Pacesetter	2: 2-0-0	91	First career race was April 6
2	Journalism	8-5	Michael McCarthy	Umberto Rispoli	Stalker	6: 4-1-1	102	Lost Kentucky Derby by 2 lengths
3	American Promise	15-1	D Wayne Lukas	Nik Juarez	Pacesetter	10:2-1-1	95	16th in Kentucky Derby
4	Heart of Honor	12-1	Jamie Osborne	Saffie Osborne	Stalker	6: 2-4-0	N/A	Hasn't raced in the United States
5	Pay Billy	20-1	Michael Gorham	Raul Mena	Midpack	8: 4-1-1	85	First graded stakes race
6	River Thames	9-2	Todd Pletcher	Irad Ortiz	Pacesetter	4:2-1-1	95	Third in Blue Grass Stakes
7	Sandman	4-1	Mark Casse	John Velazquez	Closer	9: 3-1-2	99	7th in Kentucky Derby
8	Clever Again	5-1	Steve Asmussen	Jose Ortiz	Pacesetter	3: 2-1-0	101	First graded stakes race
9	Gosger	20-1	Brendan Walsh	Luis Saez	Stalker	3: 2-1-0	88	Won Lexington Stakes on April 25

Conclusion

The 2025 Preakness Stakes promises to be a captivating event with a mix of proven talent and emerging stars. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, this guide provides the insights you need to make informed decisions and enjoy the race to its fullest.