Preakness Stakes 2025 Final Odds and Picks

The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is here, and the excitement is palpable! As the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the Preakness always delivers thrilling racing action. This year, the race promises to be especially captivating, with a field of talented three-year-old thoroughbreds vying for victory at the historic Pimlico Race Course. This article dives into the latest Preakness Stakes odds, the most recent news surrounding the race, and what to expect on this exciting day.

Get to Know the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes, held annually on the third Saturday in May, is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Run over a distance of 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on dirt, it's the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The race occurs at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, a track steeped in history and tradition. The Preakness Stakes winner is awarded the Woodlawn Vase, one of the most valuable trophies in sports.

The absence of the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, from this year's Preakness field adds an extra layer of intrigue. This means that no horse can win the Triple Crown this year, but the Preakness remains a prestigious and highly competitive race in its own right. Bettors are eagerly analyzing the preakness stakes betting landscape to find value in this open field.

Pimlico Race Course News

Pimlico Race Course, often affectionately called "Old Hilltop," has been a cornerstone of American horse racing since its opening in 1870. The track is renowned for its unique configuration, particularly the relatively short stretch. It often favors horses with early speed or those who can maintain a strong position near the front of the pack.

Recent news from Pimlico centers around the track conditions. The weather in Baltimore in the last 24 hours has been a mix of sun and scattered showers. Track officials have been working diligently to maintain optimal conditions. As of this morning, the track is listed as "fast," but changes may be depending on further precipitation. This will be key for trainers and jockeys making final race-day decisions.

Additionally, there has been significant discussion about the future of Pimlico. As mentioned in recent reports, this Preakness Stakes marks the end of an era, as the track is slated for a major reconstruction project. Demolition is expected to begin shortly after the race, and the rebuilding will be completed within two years. The Preakness will be temporarily moved to nearby Laurel Park during this period. This has added a sentimental aspect to this year's race, with many fans eager to witness the final Preakness run in its current configuration.

The Contenders

This year's Preakness Stakes features a field of nine talented three-year-olds, each with strengths and weaknesses. Here's a closer look at the leading contenders, incorporating the latest news and observations from the past 24 hours:

• Journalism (8-5): Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism enters the Preakness as the morning-line favorite. He comes into this race off a strong second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Journalism has shown a consistent ability to perform at a high level, particularly in races around this distance. He has been training well at Pimlico this week, and his connections are confident in his ability to handle the track. Recent reports suggest that he had a very relaxed gallop this morning.
• Sandman (4-1): Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by John Velazquez, Sandman is another key contender. He also ran in the Kentucky Derby, finishing seventh. Sandman possesses a deep closing kick, which could be a significant asset if the pace is fast. His connections are optimistic that he will rebound from his Derby performance. The latest news indicates that he was schooled in the starting gate earlier today without any issues.
• Clever Again (5-1): Trained by Steve Asmussen, Clever Again has been generating a lot of buzz in the lead-up to the Preakness. He has shown good speed and has been targeting this race specifically. Clever Again's connections believe the 1 3/16-mile distance suits him well. Significant "sharp" money has come in on Clever Again in the last few hours, indicating that some serious bettors see him as a substantial threat.
• River Thames (9-2): Trained by Todd Pletcher, River Thames skipped the Kentucky Derby and is coming into the Preakness fresh. He has shown promise in his previous races and is expected to be a strong contender. River Thames has been working well at Pimlico, and his trainer is looking for his first Preakness victory.
• Goal Oriented (6-1): Trained by Bob Baffert, Goal Oriented is undefeated in his two career starts. While he is relatively inexperienced, his potential is undeniable. Baffert has a strong record in the Preakness, which adds to Goal Oriented's appeal. He drew the rail position.
• American Promise (15-1): Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, American Promise ran in the Kentucky Derby. Lukas has a strong history in the Preakness, and American Promise will look to improve his performance.
• Heart of Honor (12-1): Trained by Jamie Osborne, Heart of Honor is an international entrant with experience racing in Dubai.
• Gosger (20-1): Trained by Brendan Walsh. It’s a real longshot for this race.
• Pay Billy (20-1): Trained by Michael Gorham, Pay Billy is a local Maryland winner, entering the Preakness after a win in the Federico Tesio Stakes.

Events of the Day

Preakness Day is a significant event, not just for horse racing betting enthusiasts but also for the city of Baltimore. The atmosphere at Pimlico is electric, with fans dressed in their finest attire, ready to witness the excitement of the race.

The day features a full card of racing, with the Preakness Stakes as the main event. In addition to the Preakness, several other stakes races are held, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the country. The undercard has been particularly strong this year, with several graded stakes races drawing significant attention.

Beyond the racing, Preakness Day is also known for its social scene. The infield at Pimlico is a popular gathering spot, with live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere. The "Black-Eyed Susan," a cocktail made with bourbon, peach schnapps, and orange juice, is the traditional drink of the Preakness.

The post-race celebrations are always a highlight, with the winning connections receiving the coveted Woodlawn Vase and enjoying the thrill of victory. This year's celebrations may be particularly poignant, given the impending changes to Pimlico Race Course.

For Those Who Bet on the Preakness Stakes

For those looking to get in on the action, there are numerous ways to bet on Preakness Stakes. Online wagering platforms allow fans to place bets from anywhere, while traditional on-track betting windows offer a classic experience. Common types of bets include win, place, and show bets, and more exotic wagers like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.

Before placing their wagers, bettors must stay updated on the latest Preakness Stakes odds and news. Factors such as track conditions, horse form, jockey and trainer statistics, and recent workouts can all influence the race's outcome.

As the race approaches, the odds will fluctuate based on betting activity. It's essential to monitor these changes and make informed decisions.

This year's Preakness Stakes promises to be a memorable event, with a competitive field and plenty of excitement both on and off the track. Whether you're a seasoned horse racing enthusiast or a casual fan, the Preakness is a race not to be missed.

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.