Preakness Stakes Betting News: Journalism a Definite Maybe

Familiar faces, new Shooters eyeing Preakness Stakes

A bit of Preakness Stakes (G1) maneuvering took place Thursday, with Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism still a possible starter and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert sending a second contender to the race.

Journalism, the 7-2 Derby favorite beaten by Sovereignty in the Run for the Roses, has been training at Churchill Downs this week, pending a decision on the Preakness.

“We're not going to rush into any determination right now. We're going to keep the Preakness Stakes in play,” said Aron Wellman, president of co-owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “It's an important American Classic that, whether there's a Triple Crown on the line or not, holds with it an extreme amount of prestige.

“We’re going to monitor Journalism to the best of our ability and then make the best decision for the horse at the end of the day. But we're not saying we're in, and we're certainly not shutting the door.”

Sovereignty, bypassing the Preakness, arrived at Saratoga on Thursday and will be pointed to the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7 at the Spa.

Baffert is going with Rodriguez and Goal Oriented.

Meanwhile, Baffert is set to run two horses in the Preakness, Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez and undefeated Goal Oriented.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated Goal Oriented, as well as Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez in the Preakness.

Goal Oriented debuted April 6 at Santa Anita with an off-the-pace 3 ¼-length…

— Agentes305 (@agentes305) May 8, 2025

Goal Oriented debuted with an off-the-pace 3 ¼-length victory on April 6 at Santa Anita. On the Derby Day undercard, the Not This Time colt won a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming allowance in front-running style. The colt is owned by the same group that owns Rodriguez.

Baffert, seeking his record-extending ninth Preakness win, said Rodriguez will work over the weekend and ship to Pimlico on Monday.

The post-position draw for the 150^th Preakness is Monday at 6:45 p.m. ET.

 Other contenders include Gosger, American Promise, Pay Billy, Clever Again, and River Thames.

Derby Winner Arrives in Saratoga

Derby winner Sovereignty arrived Thursday at Saratoga Race Course to begin preparations for the Belmont Stakes (G1) at the Spa on June 7.

“He came off the van like a tiger,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. “He’s had good energy for a horse that just ran a race like that.”

Sovereignty bypasses the Preakness, thus ending any chance of a Triple Crown. He’s the second Derby winner in four years – Rich Strike in 2022 is the other – to miss the Preakness.

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.