Let’s get ready for a Showdown at Saratoga – Preakness Stakes winner Journalism versus Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes in three weeks.
In a remarkable recovery from jostling with a rival and some jockey elbowing in the stretch, Journalism fought through it all and won the 150th Preakness (G1) on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.
The final Preakness at the dilapidated track (it will be rebuilt by 2027) will be remembered for the fierce battle between Journalism and Goal Oriented in the stretch.
As the field turned for home, longshot Gosger was in the lead, with Journalism, piloted by Umberto Rispoli, just behind but in tight quarters with Goal Oriented, with Flavien Prat aboard, outside, and Clever Again inside. As Journalism looked for room to run, Goal Oriented veered into him, with Rispoli and Prat trading elbows to keep their position.
Both horses lost their balance briefly as Gosger looked to be the winner, but Journalism regrouped and soared past the leader for a half-length victory.
Two weeks ago, Journalism finished second to Sovereignty in the Derby, coming up short after a duel down the stretch.
This time, it was all Journalism, and trainer Michael McCarthy could not have been more impressed.
“I guess when I saw that, I resigned myself to the fact it was another fantastic effort and he’d come up a little short,’’ said McCarthy. “But it’s a testament to the horse. I couldn’t be prouder of him. I thought we’d be 2-for-2 but we’re just happy to get this one. These are very, very difficult races to win.”
With Sovereignty skipping the Preakness and training for the Belmont, the final leg of the Triple Crown, let’s hope Journalism remains in top form and the two can meet again on June 7.
“We’re going to go ahead and figure that out,’’ said McCarthy.
There was a brief stewards’ inquiry after the race, but there was no change in the results. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Journalism returned $4 on a $2 win bet. Gosger, 15-1, set up a $1 exacta worth $16.90.
"A REMARKABLE RECOVERY BY JOURNALISM!"
JOURNALISM WINS THE 150TH PREAKNESS STAKES! #Preakness150 pic.twitter.com/f2IOVEyUy9
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 17, 2025
“You can't realize what this horse did today,’’ said Rispoli during an interview with NBC Sports on the way back to the winner’s circle. “I'm crying like a kid.”
Brendan Walsh, who trains Gosger, said: “I’m disappointed not to win it, but I’m not disappointed in the horse. He ran a great race. He is an improving horse, and he will improve off this today. Luis (Saez) got off him and said, ‘this is a helluva horse’. Maybe we will get our turn the next time.”
Winning time for the 1 3/16 miles over a fast track on a hot and sunny day was 1:55.47.
With so many memories of past Preakness's, the bumping was somewhat reminiscent of the 2005 edition, when Scrappy T clipped heels with Afleet Alex, who incredibly regained his balance after his nose came within an inch of touching the ground and won the race.
Sandman, seventh in the Derby, was third, followed by Goal Oriented, Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise (16th in the Derby), and Clever Again.
The 2026 Preakness will be run at Laurel Park in Maryland and returned to a new racing/training facility in 2027.
