2025 Preakness Stakes: Game Info, Betting Odds, and More

With Sovereignty, winner of the Kentucky Derby, out of this race in preparation for the Belmont Stakes, that leaves the Triple Crown out of this year’s agenda. Still, the Pimlico field is packed with talent and intrigue. The Derby runner-up Journalism heads the contenders for redemption, while potential stars Sandman and Clever Again have come to challenge.

Game Info:

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland

Race Distance: 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs)

Purse: $2 million

Post Time: Approximately 6:50 p.m. ET

2025 Preakness Stakes horses and odds

1. Goal-Oriented (6-1)

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Career Highlights: Winner of Sunland Derby (G3), undefeated in two starts around 2 turns.

Overview: Classic Baffert front runner with tremendously high cruising speed. Is still yet to face real top competition but is very much on the heels of competition. Breaking from the pole pose could work in his favor with an early loose lead.

2. Journalism (8-5) – Morning-line Favorite 

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Career Highlights: 2nd in Kentucky Derby, Winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Overview: The class of the field with tactical speed and consistency. Just missed in the Derby and looks primed for redemption. Big chance to go one better.

3. American Promise (15-1)

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas

Jockey: Nik Juarez

Career Highlights: 3rd in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Winner of an allowance race at Oaklawn.

Overview: A Lukas outsider with some grit and talent but no signature win. To hit the board, he will have to have a strong pace setup and a career-best effort.

4. Heart of Honor (12-1)

Trainer: Jaime Osborne 

Jockey: Saffie Osborne 

Career Highlights: Group-placed in the U.K., impressive U.S. debut in an allowance at Keeneland. 

Overview: Intriguing Euro shipper trying dirt for the second time. Talent is there, but can he match speed and stamina with elite dirt horses?

5. Pay Billy (20-1) 

Trainer: Michael E. Gorham 

Jockey: Raul Mena 

Career Highlights: Winner of the Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park. 

Overview: The most lightly viewed of the runners. Has local success but is yet to prove himself against the graded stakes company. Needs a dream trip.

6. River Thames (9-2)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Career Highlights: Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). 4th at the Kentucky Derby.

Overview: One who knows the ropes and trench warfare. This could be a piledriver for pure class and stamina. Major jockey upgrade coming in Ortiz.

7. Sandman (4-1)

Trainers: Mark Casse

Jockeys: John Velazquez

Career Highlights: Winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), 7th in Kentucky Derby

Overview: Had a rough trip in the Derby. If he breaks cleanly and runs to his Blue Grass form, he’s a legitimate win candidate. Velazquez sticks with him-a good sign.

8. Clever Again (5-1)

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: José Ortiz

Career Highlights: Winner of Lexington Stakes (G3), 2nd-place Rebel Stakes (G2).

Overview: Sharp turn of foot, 2-turn proven. Tactical, game, may get the best stalking trip behind early speed.

9. Gosger (20-1)

Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh

Jockey: Luis Saez

Career Highlights: Winner of an Oaklawn optional claimer; named after 1960s Met outfielder Jim Gosger.

Overview: A pleasant story around a very average record. Tough assignment here but could outperform odds if pace collapses and he saves ground from the outside.

Betting Strategy Suggestions:

• Win: Journalism
• Exacta Box: Journalism, Sandman, Clever Again, Goal Oriented
• Trifecta Box: Journalism, Sandman, Clever Again, Goal Oriented, River Thames
• Superfecta: Add American Promise and Heart of Honor for longer-shot potential