At the onset of the week, the news was not about who would enter the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Instead, a bombshell was dropped that will have major implications with the Preakness Stakes Odds. Trainer Bill Mott will hold out Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty. Cause by what Mott said was “the best interest of the horse.” In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on animal safety due to a rash of deaths over the past decade. Thus, the Preakness may have to be backed up to three weeks after the Kentucky Derby instead of two weeks.
2025 Preakness Stakes Betting Information
| Date: | Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:50 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
2025 Preakness Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gate 1: Goal Oriented | 6-1 |
| Gate 2: Journalism | 8-5 |
| Gate 3: D Wayne Lucas | 15-1 |
| Gate 4: Heart of Honor | 12-1 |
| Gate 5: Pay Billy | 20-1 |
| Gate 6: River Thames | 9-2 |
| Gate 7: Sandman | 4-1 |
| Gate 8: Clever Again | 5-1 |
| Gate 9: Gosger | 20-1 |
2025 Preakness Stakes SBG Odds Overview
Despite Sovereignty being scratched, the 2025 Preakness Stakes has a quality field led by Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism. Still, there is disappointment that there will not be the potential of a Triple Crown at the Preakness. Still, the field is of top quality, and the odds reveal an even race with several horses who can win.
2025 Preakness Stakes Top Contenders
Journalism 8-5, Gate 2
Michael McCarthy trains Journalism with jockey Umberto Rispoli. Last time out at the May 3 Kentucky Derby, Journalism finished second in a thriller to Sovereignty. The two horses had a thrilling battle down the stretch. Previously, on April 5, Journalism was the winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park. On March 1, 2025, Journalism won the Grade 2 San Felipe at Santa Anita Park. And then on December 14, 2024, Journalism won the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos Race Course.
Sandman 4-1, Gate 7
Mark Casse trains Sandman with legendary jockey John Velázquez aboard. Last time out, Sandman finished 7th at the Kentucky Derby on May 3. Previously, Sandman won the March 29 Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. On February 23, 2025, Sandman finished third at the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. On January 25, Sandman finished second at the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes. Additionally, Sandman has an Allowance and MSW online betting win on his record.
Clever Again 5-1, Gate 8
Legendary Steve Asmussen trains Clever Again, and jockey Jose Ortiz gets the ride. Last time out for Clever again was a win at the 2025 Hot Springs LS on March 30. Saturday’s run agaisnt the Preakness Stakes Odds will be only the fourth of his career. On February 23, Clever Again won an MSW race.
River Thames 9-2, Gate 6
Todd Pletcher, one of the best trainers in the sport, will lead River Thames to the starting gate. Additionally, Irad Ortiz Jr will be aboard. River Thames is coming off a finish of third at the Grade 1 Blue Grass at Keeneland. On March 1, River Thames finished second to Sovereignty in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park.
Goal Oriented 6-1, Gate 1
Namely, Bob Baffert is the most controversial trainer in the game, and he will lead Goal Oriented to the starting gate at the Preakness. Flavian Prat will get the ride. Previously, Goal Oriented has allowance, and MSW wins.
2025 Preakness Stakes SBG Free Picks
Last time out, Journalism was the consensus favorite at the Kentucky Derby but was edged out by Sovereignty. Now at the Preakness, the race is his to win.
2025 Preakness Stakes SBG Best Bet: Journalism.