The Preakness Stakes is back for its 150th run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, it picks up right after the Kentucky Derby and could set the stage for a Triple Crown winner, or shake things up entirely.
For bettors, the Preakness is a great opportunity. The field is usually smaller, the distance is shorter, and with just two weeks between races, strategy plays a big role. That makes outcomes harder to predict, but also more rewarding for those who do their homework.
If you’re planning to place a bet, it’s a good time to follow the odds, get to know the top contenders, and understand what makes this race different. Here’s a quick guide to help you bet smarter on Preakness weekend.
Contents
Field Overview
This year’s prospective Preakness field is loaded with diverse talent—some battle-tested in the Derby, others fresh and rising in form. Here are the most notable contenders:
- Journalism (8-1)
– Runner-up in the Kentucky Derby
– Trained by Michael McCarthy
– Proven ability to handle pace pressure and close late
- Sovereignty (15-1)
– Winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby
– Trained by Bill Mott
– Son of Into Mischief, seeking a Triple Crown bid
- Rodriguez (20-1)
– Winner of the Wood Memorial (G2)
– Trained by Bob Baffert
– Tactical speed figures to be part of the early pace
- River Thames (15-1)
– Finished 3rd in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
– Trained by Todd Pletcher
– Likely mid-pack runner with stamina and consistency
- Clever Again (15-1)
– Won the Hot Springs Stakes
– Trained by Steve Asmussen
– American Pharoah colt with improving form
- Heart of Honor (20-1)
– 2nd in the UAE Derby (G2)
– Trained by Jamie Osborne
– International shipper with solid staying power
- Sandman (15-1)
– Finished 7th in the Kentucky Derby
– Trained by Mark Casse
– Well-bred Tapit colt, looking to rebound
- Gosger (15-1)
– Winner of the Lexington Stakes (G3)
– Trained by Brendan Walsh
– Speedy type gaining late attention
- Caldera (20-1)
– 2nd in the Bathhouse Row Stakes
– Trained by D. Wayne Lukas
– Potential pace factor with upside
- Pay Billy (15-1)
– Winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes
– Trained by Michael Gorham
– Tesio winner often enters Preakness as a local sleeper
While Journalism is favored early, bettors shouldn’t sleep on mid-priced options. At 15-1, sovereignty may be undervalued despite his Derby win. Horses like Sandman, River Thames, and Clever Again are all within the 15-1 range, each with the right running style to contend. Longshots like Caldera (20-1) and Heart of Honor (20-1) could be live underneath plays in exactas or trifectas.
Smart Betting Strategies
Smart bettors who do their homework can take advantage of clearer trends and quicker decisions, making it one of the most exciting and rewarding races to bet on. Preakness Stakes betting gives punters a great chance to spot value. With a smaller field and a faster-paced race than the Derby, it’s easier to analyze form, track conditions, and jockey strategies.
Here are the key angles and betting tactics to give you an edge on race day.
Use a Variety of Bet Types
Don’t limit yourself to only Win-Place-Show bets. While simple wagers can be profitable, exotic bets like Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas offer much greater returns, especially in a wide-open field like the 2025 Preakness. For example, you might pair a Win bet on Journalism with an Exacta box that includes Sovereignty and Gosger to hedge multiple scenarios.
Factor in Track Conditions
The forecast shows mild, dry weather in Baltimore all week, with race day expected to be sunny and 25°C (77°F). That means the Pimlico track will likely be fast and dry. Mud-lovers and deep closers who benefit from off-going won’t have the usual edge. Review each contender’s past performances on fast tracks to help separate legitimate contenders from those that rely on changing conditions to compete.
Evaluate Jockey-Trainer Combinations
In a race as tactical as the Preakness, the connections matter. Trainers like Bob Baffert (Rodriguez) and Michael McCarthy (Journalism) have a proven record of preparing horses for big stages. Likewise, a top jockey with strong Pimlico experience can distinguish between a perfect trip and a wide, wasted one.
Watch Workout Reports
How a horse trains leading up to the Preakness can be more telling than past races. Sharp, consistent workouts, especially at Pimlico, often signal readiness to fire. Pay attention to clocker reports and whether horses are breezing well or struggling, as it can provide critical last-minute betting insight.
How to Watch and Wager
The 2025 Preakness Stakes will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage starting earlier in the day to include undercard races, pre-race analysis, and traditions. You can stream the race on NBCSports.com or via the NBC Sports app. For betting, several online sportsbooks and racebooks will offer Preakness wagering, including FanDuel. Take advantage of any promotions or odds boosts available through these platforms—many will offer enhanced odds or risk-free bets on the Preakness to new users.
Rounding Out the Second Leg
The 2025 Preakness Stakes is shaping to be a wide-open, thrilling installment in the Triple Crown series. With a balanced field, fluctuating odds, and a mix of new shooters and tested warriors, sharp handicappers have plenty of potential value. Above all, enjoy the pageantry and passion of one of America’s most iconic sporting events. Bet smart, celebrate the sport, and relish the ride that only the Preakness Stakes can deliver.
