Preakness Stakes Contender Profile: Sandman

HORSE RACINGNEWS
May 13, 2025

Preakness Stakes Contender Profile

Sandman Looks to Bounce Back at Pimlico

 

After a wide, troubled trip in the Kentucky Derby, Sandman is set for a quick return in the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Trainer Mark Casse confirmed that the colt will take his shot at redemption in the second leg of the Triple Crown. 

Bettors looking to bet on Preakness value should keep an eye on this well-bred son of Tapit, who has shown flashes of top-level talent. Sitting at 4-1 in current Preakness Stakes odds. Sandman is viewed as one of the main threats in the 2025 Preakness Stakes betting picture.

Casse believes the race could shape up favorably for Sandman, especially with a pace scenario that may allow a stalker like him to settle and close late. “He’s an extremely happy horse right now,” Casse said. “We were leaning toward the Belmont, but sometimes the horse tells you what to do. Right now, he’s telling us he’s ready.”

 

Rebounding After a Rough Derby Trip

 

Sandman’s seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby doesn’t reflect how talented this colt truly is. Shortly after breaking from the gate, he bumped with a rival and dropped far off the early pace. Despite the rough start, Sandman rallied wide and passed tired horses to finish mid-pack. Casse said the colt wasn’t handling the track early and flattened late, but still showed heart.

It’s worth noting that War of Will, also trained by Casse, finished seventh in the 2019 Kentucky Derby before winning the Preakness two weeks later. Sandman will try to follow that same blueprint.

 

A Steady Climb Through the Prep Season

 

Before the Derby, Sandman had built a consistent prep resume. He won the Arkansas Derby (G1) by 2½ lengths on March 29, stamping his ticket to Churchill Downs with a powerful front-running effort. That victory followed a runner-up finish in the Southwest Stakes (G3) and a third-place result in the Rebel (G2), both at Oaklawn Park.

Last fall, he finished third behind Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, proving he could hold his own against top competition. His steady improvement and strong finishes made him a legitimate Derby contender, even if the race didn’t go his way.

 

Pedigree Points to Staying Power

 

Few colts in the Preakness field carry a pedigree as rich in stamina as Sandman. He’s a son of Tapit, one of the most accomplished sires in recent history, known for producing top distance runners and multiple Belmont Stakes winners such as Tonalist and Essential Quality.

On the female side, Sandman’s lineage runs deep. His great-granddam, It’s in the Air, was a champion in her own right and a daughter of the influential Mr. Prospector. With a genetic profile loaded with staying power, the 1 3/16-mile distance at Pimlico should be well within his comfort zone.

 

Preakness Stakes Outlook

 

Casse confirmed that Sandman will head to Pimlico on Monday. Although a jockey had not yet been named as of Saturday, the team is moving forward with confidence in the colt’s physical condition and readiness for the race. “Run them when they’re good,” Casse said, quoting legendary trainer Allen Jerkens. And right now, Sandman appears to be trending upward.

With several Derby front-runners skipping the Preakness, the field has opened up, giving Sandman a real chance to capitalize. He’s shown the ability to overcome adversity, and his strong pedigree, recent form, and trainer experience all point to a big effort at Pimlico.

For updated Preakness Stakes odds, expert betting analysis, and full coverage of the 2025 Triple Crown season, visit our racebook today and get ready to bet on Preakness action with confidence.

 

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