Win Big This Weekend: The Best Exotic Bets for your 2025 Preakness Stakes Odds

The 150th Preakness Stakes will thrill horse racing fans on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. With a post time of 7:01 p.m. ET, this year's race features a competitive nine-horse field with narrow differences in each Preakness Stakes odds.

The absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty opens the door for other contenders to shine. This presents a prime opportunity for horse racing betting enthusiasts to explore exotic wagers, such as exactas, trifectas, and superfectas, to maximize potential payouts.

Exotic 101: Understanding Exotic Bets

Before diving into the horse-by-horse analysis, it's essential to grasp the types of exotic bets:

• Exacta: Predict the first and second-place finishers in exact order.
  
• Trifecta: Predict the first, second, and third-place finishers in exact order.
  
• Superfecta: Predict the first four finishers in exact order.
  

Due to their increased difficulty, these bets offer higher payouts, making them attractive options for savvy bettors and people who have experienced the rush of horse racing in the last Kentucky Derby and want to repeat it this weekend, but with additional adrenaline.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

Now that we've understood the principles of exotic betting, let's take a closer look at each horse in the field this coming Saturday. Each horse has its official Preakness Betting odds, trainers, and jockeys.

1. Goal Oriented (6-1) 

• Trainer: Bob Baffert
  
• Jockey: Flavien Prat
  
• Overview: Undefeated in two starts, Goal Oriented steps up in class. Baffert aims for a record ninth Preakness win, and Prat is riding at the top of his game. The colt's early speed could be advantageous.
  
• Betting Strategy: Include in exacta and trifecta boxes.

2. Journalism (8-5) 

• Trainer: Michael McCarthy 
  
• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
  
• Overview: The Kentucky Derby runner-up is the Preakness Stakes betting lines favorite. With Sovereignty absent, Journalism has a strong chance to secure a win.
  
• Betting Strategy: Key horse in all exotic bets.

3. American Promise (15-1) 

• Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
  
• Jockey: Nik Juarez
  
• Overview: American Promise seeks redemption after a troubled trip in the Derby, finishing 16th. Lukas has a storied Preakness Stakes history.
  
• Betting Strategy: Use as a longshot in superfecta bets.

4. Heart of Honor (12-1) 

• Trainer: Jamie Osborne
  
• Jockey: Saffie Osborne
  
• Overview: An international contender with consistent performances overseas. Heart of Honor faced a significant class test in the U.S.
  
• Betting Strategy: Consider for superfecta inclusion.

5. Pay Billy (20-1)  

• Trainer: Michael Gorham
  
• Jockey: Raul Mena
  
• Overview: Pay Billy earned a Preakness berth via the Federico Tesio Stakes. Faces a steep challenge in the graded stakes company.
  
• Betting Strategy: Use sparingly in superfecta bets.

6. River Thames (9-2) 

• Trainer: Todd Pletcher
  
• Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
  
• Overview: River Thames is a consistent performer with a commendable third in the Blue Grass Stakes. Pletcher seeks his first Preakness win.
  
• Betting Strategy: Strong candidate for exacta and trifecta bets.

7. Sandman (4-1) 

• Trainer: Mark Casse
  
• Jockey: John Velazquez
  
• Overview: Finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby. His Arkansas Derby win showcased The Sandman’s capabilities, but the Preakness's shorter distance may not favor his closing style.
  
• Betting Strategy: Include in trifecta and superfecta bets.

8. Clever Again (5-1) 

• Trainer: Steve Asmussen
  
• Jockey: Jose Ortiz
  
• Overview: Clever Again is a front-runner horse with a notable pedigree, stepping into graded stakes after a dominant performance at Oaklawn Park.
  
• Betting Strategy: Consider for exacta and trifecta bets.

9. Gosger (20-1) 

• Trainer: Brendan Walsh
  
• Jockey: Luis Saez
  
• Overview: Coming off a win in the Lexington Stakes, Gosger's closing style may be challenged by his wide post position.
  
• Betting Strategy: Use as a longshot in superfecta bets.

Recommended Exotic Bets for your Preakness Stakes Odds

The US Racing Handicappers share the best exotic betting combinations for the upcoming race and boost your Preakness Stakes betting strategy. Use them wisely and have fun.

Exacta Box (Cost: $12)

• Horses: Journalism (2), River Thames (6), Clever Again (8)
  
• Rationale: Combining the favorite with two strong contenders increases the chance of hitting the top two finishers.

Trifecta Box (Cost: $24)

• Horses: Journalism (2), Goal Oriented (1), Sandman (7), Clever Again (8)
  
• Rationale: This combination balances favorites with potential value picks.

Superfecta Box (Cost: $120)

• Horses: Journalism (2), Goal Oriented (1), River Thames (6), Sandman (7), Clever Again (8)
  
• Rationale: A comprehensive approach covering top contenders for a significant payout.

Final Words

The 2025 Preakness Stakes offers a compelling field with opportunities for bettors to capitalize on exotic wagers. You can make informed decisions to enhance your betting strategy by analyzing each horse's strengths and race dynamics.

Remember to consider the latest Preakness Stakes odds and adjust your bets accordingly. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the sport, this guide aims to provide valuable insights for your Preakness Stakes betting endeavors. 

For those who like to bet on Preakness Stakes, below, we leave you the official odds for the race.

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.