Preakness 2025: Complete Guide to Horses, Odds, and How to Watch
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes takes place Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. While Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won’t be competing, the second leg of the Triple Crown still promises excitement with a competitive nine-horse field. This guide provides everything you need to know about the race, from post time and viewing options to detailed horse information and expert betting insights.
2025 Preakness Stakes Essential Information
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Saturday, May 17, 2025 |
| Post Time | 6:50 p.m. ET |
| Location | Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD |
| Distance | 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) |
| Purse | $2 million |
How to Watch the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Multiple viewing options are available for the 150th Preakness Stakes, with coverage across several networks and streaming platforms:
| Platform | Coverage Time (ET) |
| NBC | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
| CNBC | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. |
| Peacock | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
| FanDuel TV | 10:30 a.m. – All Day |
| Telemundo/Universo | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
Watch the Preakness Stakes Live
Don’t miss a moment of the action from Pimlico Race Course. Stream the complete race coverage with expert commentary and analysis.
Stream on Peacock Try Fubo (Free Trial)2025 Preakness Stakes Field and Odds
Nine horses will compete in the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not run, marking the seventh straight year without a Triple Crown possibility. Here’s the complete field with post positions and morning-line odds:
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1 | Goal Oriented | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | 6-1 |
| 2 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | Michael W. McCarthy | 8-5 |
| 3 | American Promise | Nik Juarez | D. Wayne Lukas | 15-1 |
| 4 | Heart of Honor | Saffie Osborne | Jamie A. Osborne | 12-1 |
| 5 | Pay Billy | Raul Mena | Michael E. Gorham | 20-1 |
| 6 | River Thames | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | 9-2 |
| 7 | Sandman | John Velazquez | Mark E. Casse | 4-1 |
| 8 | Clever Again | Jose Ortiz | Steven M. Asmussen | 5-1 |
| 9 | Gosger | Luis Saez | Brendan P. Walsh | 20-1 |
Top Contenders for the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Journalism (8-5)
The Kentucky Derby runner-up enters as the favorite. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism has never finished worse than second in six career starts. His consistent performance at distances between 1 mile and 1 1/8 miles makes him well-suited for the Preakness distance.
Sandman (4-1)
After finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby, Sandman looks to bounce back at Pimlico. Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by veteran John Velazquez, this Arkansas Derby winner has shown flashes of brilliance. One of his owners is Vincent Viola, who also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers.
Goal Oriented (6-1)
Trained by Bob Baffert, who holds the record with eight Preakness wins, Goal Oriented is undefeated in two career starts. Though this race represents a significant step up in class, his recent allowance win at Churchill Downs showed tremendous potential. Flavien Prat takes the mount.
Expert Betting Picks for Preakness 2025
Looking for an edge in your Preakness wagers? Expert handicapper Gene Menez, who hit the Kentucky Derby exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout, has analyzed the field and identified key betting opportunities.
Get Expert Picks at SportsLineWhy Kentucky Derby Winner Sovereignty Is Skipping the Preakness
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not compete in the 2025 Preakness Stakes, eliminating the possibility of a Triple Crown winner for the seventh consecutive year. Trainer Bill Mott made the decision shortly after Sovereignty’s Derby victory, citing the need for more recovery time between races.
“Over the years, people have realized that spacing these horses out a little bit gives you the opportunity to make them last a little longer. We’re looking at a career, and you want the career to last more than five weeks.”
Sovereignty is expected to return for the Belmont Stakes on June 7 at Saratoga, the final leg of the Triple Crown. This decision follows a growing trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness to prioritize long-term horse health over the pursuit of the Triple Crown.
Expert Predictions for the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Courier Journal Prediction
The Courier Journal’s Ed DeRosa predicts Journalism to win, followed by American Promise and Clever Again. DeRosa notes that Journalism is “easily one of the top 3-year-olds in the country and the best/most accomplished horse on paper among this group.”
He suggests American Promise should improve from his Derby performance, noting that “that seven-week layoff is an eternity for a D. Wayne Lukas trainee.” Clever Again is highlighted as the “new shooter with the heaviest artillery.”
NBC Sports Prediction
NBC Sports analysts favor Clever Again to win, followed by Goal Oriented, Journalism, and River Thames. They note that Clever Again “was very impressive at Oaklawn in the Hot Springs Stakes, and as a son of American Pharoah, he should have no problem with the distance.”
They also highlight Goal Oriented’s “tremendous” allowance win at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, noting he’s “undefeated in two starts with a license to get better.”
Contrarian View: Expert handicapper Gene Menez is fading the favorite Journalism despite his impressive record. Menez notes: “Modern horses aren’t bred or trained to run back in two weeks,” making Journalism vulnerable after his Kentucky Derby effort.
Get Your Preakness Betting Strategy
Don’t place your bets without checking the latest expert analysis, including longshot picks that could pay big dividends.
See Expert PicksPreakness Stakes Historical Context
Recent Preakness Stakes Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Notes |
| 2024 | Seize the Grey | TBD | D. Wayne Lukas | Lukas’ 7th Preakness win |
| 2023 | National Treasure | John Velazquez | Bob Baffert | Baffert’s 8th Preakness win |
| 2022 | Early Voting | Jose Ortiz | Chad Brown | Skipped Kentucky Derby |
| 2021 | Rombauer | Flavien Prat | Michael McCarthy | McCarthy’s first Triple Crown win |
| 2020 | Swiss Skydiver | Robby Albarado | Kenny McPeek | Filly winner |
| 2019 | War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | Mark Casse | Redemption after Derby trouble |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | Won Triple Crown |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Won Triple Crown |
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history dating back to 1873. The 1 3/16-mile race at Pimlico Race Course serves as the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The winner receives the Woodlawn Vase, considered the most valuable trophy in American sports.
Enhancing Your Preakness Viewing Experience
The Preakness Stakes offers one of horse racing’s most vibrant atmospheres. Known for its Black-Eyed Susan cocktails and lively infield party, the event combines elite racing with festive celebration. Here are some ways to enhance your viewing experience:
Race Day Schedule
The Preakness is the highlight of a full day of racing at Pimlico. Coverage begins at 10:30 a.m. ET on FanDuel TV, with early races throughout the day. NBC’s main broadcast starts at 4:30 p.m. ET, building toward the 6:50 p.m. post time for the Preakness Stakes.
Betting Guide
New to betting? Start with simple win, place, or show bets on a single horse. More experienced bettors might consider exacta (first and second place) or trifecta (first, second, and third place) wagers. Many platforms offer beginner-friendly betting interfaces with explanations of each bet type.
Preakness Traditions
Look for the winner to be draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans (Maryland’s state flower) and the presentation of the Woodlawn Vase. The traditional “Riders Up!” call and playing of “Maryland, My Maryland” add to the event’s unique character.
Don’t Miss a Moment of Preakness 2025
From pre-race analysis to the exciting finish, catch complete coverage of the 150th Preakness Stakes.
Stream on PeacockPimlico Race Course Information
Located at 5201 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, Pimlico Race Course is the second-oldest racetrack in the United States, having opened in 1870. The track is known for its tight turns and 1 3/16-mile distance for the Preakness Stakes, slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4 miles.
Nicknamed “Old Hilltop” for a small rise in the infield that was leveled in 1938, Pimlico offers a different racing challenge than Churchill Downs. The track’s configuration often favors horses with good early speed and the ability to negotiate turns efficiently.
Preakness 2025: Final Thoughts
The 150th Preakness Stakes promises excitement despite Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty’s absence. With a balanced field featuring experienced Derby runners and fresh challengers, the race offers compelling storylines and betting opportunities. Whether you’re a casual fan or serious handicapper, the second jewel of the Triple Crown delivers the thrill of elite thoroughbred racing at historic Pimlico Race Course.
Ready for Race Day?
Get expert picks, watch live coverage, and experience the excitement of the 150th Preakness Stakes.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER.
