Journalism profile: 2025 Preakness Stakes odds, post position, jockey, trainer

Get caught up with Journalism's past performances, jockey, trainer, Preakness Stakes odds and full analysis heading into the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The Preakness Stakes might be missing the Kentucky Derby winner, but it still has plenty of firepower—starting with Derby runner-up Journalism, who brings both class and momentum into the second leg of the Triple Crown.

After a sharp win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5, Journalism entered the Kentucky Derby as the 3-1 favorite. Racing over a sloppy track for the first time, he was bumped leaving post 8 and took a while to settle. But once he hit the stretch, he surged into contention and briefly came within a head of Sovereignty before finishing 1 ½ lengths behind.

Trainer Michael McCarthy and Journalism’s owners waited until Sunday, May 11 to confirm his Preakness entry, making sure their colt had bounced back fully before committing to another high-stakes race on short rest.

Journalism brings a solid resume: six starts, four wins, and only one finish worse than third. He’s shown he can press the pace or stalk from mid-pack—an advantage in a field with speed up front and not many closers to challenge late, Preakness Stakes odds are 8-5 for Journalism, making him the favorite horse to win the race.

“He’s doing great,” McCarthy told BloodHorse.com. “It’s a tough race—you expect that. There’s some pace in here, and he should be able to work out a trip.”

Preakness Stakes Betting and Horse Information

He’s not unbeatable, but Journalism is the class of this field. He’s got tactical speed, proven stamina, and arguably the best resume. Treat him like the one to beat.

Contender Information Card

• Post Position: 2
• Morning Line Odds: 8-5
• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Michael McCarthy
• Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith
• Career Record: 6 starts – 4 wins, 1 second, 1 third
• Earnings: $1,638,880
• Last Race: 2nd in Kentucky Derby (G1), May 3
• Top Equibase Speed Figure: 110
• Pedigree: Curlin – Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
• Color: Bay
• Running Style: Tactical, mid-pack

Notes: McCarthy, based in California, is a perfect 1-for-1 in the Preakness, having won it in 2021 with Rombauer. This will be Umberto Rispoli’s first Preakness mount. With Sovereignty sitting this one out, Journalism is the only top-tier Derby finisher entered. Only two other Preakness starters, besides Journalism and Gosger, have captured graded stakes this season.

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