Preakness Stakes Betting Analysis: Jockey By Jockey
Preakness Stakes Betting Analysis
The 2025 Preakness Stakes Jockeys: Talent, Experience, and First-Time Firepower at Pimlico
The 150th Preakness Stakes is just days away, and while much of the focus is on the 3-year-old contenders, the jockeys riding them deserve just as much attention. This year’s field features a mix of seasoned veterans, first-time starters, and rising stars.
As fans and bettors gear up to bet on Preakness success stories, understanding who’s in the irons can offer an edge. As anticipation grows and Preakness Stakes betting gains momentum, let’s explore the talented riders competing for racing’s iconic Woodlawn Vase.
Nik Juarez: American Promise
Maryland native Nik Juarez will live a dream when he makes his Preakness debut aboard American Promise. Juarez made his first start in the Kentucky Derby earlier this month and will stick with American Promise, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas.
The 31-year-old jockey was born in Westminster, just 30 miles from Pimlico, and has built a career riding across circuits like Oaklawn Park. Agent Gary Stevens, a Hall of Famer and three-time Preakness Stakes winner, represents him.
Raul Mena: Pay Billy
Raul Mena, a 33-year-old rider from Chile, will also make his first Preakness Stakes appearance. Mena began his racing career at just 14 as a groom and overcame a serious spill in 2011 before notching his first U.S. win in 2015.
He credits early career guidance from fellow Chilean and Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos. Mena has become a regular at tracks like Laurel Park and Delaware Park and enters the Preakness Stakes on a hot streak with Pay Billy, who’s won three of four starts this year.
Irad Ortiz Jr.: River Thames
Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the most prominent figures in horse racing today, heads into the Preakness Stakes aboard River Thames with high expectations. At 32, the Puerto Rican jockey has been a dominant force in North American racing, having led all riders in wins for eight consecutive seasons, and he’s once again among the leaders in 2025. He recently piloted River Thames to a close third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes and will look to improve on his two prior second-place Preakness Stakes finishes.
Jose Ortiz: Clever Again
Jose Ortiz, the accomplished Puerto Rican rider and younger sibling of Irad, heads into this year’s Preakness Stakes with a legitimate shot aboard the improving colt Clever Again. Jose won the Preakness Stakes in 2022 with Early Voting and has carried his early-year success at Fair Grounds into strong performances at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. He has guided Clever Again to back-to-back victories, including the Hot Springs Stakes, and looks to extend that streak with Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.
Saffie Osborne: Heart of Honor
At just 23, British jockey Saffie Osborne will make history with her first U.S. ride coming in a Triple Crown race. Saffie Osborne grew up surrounded by racing, with her father, Jamie, training horses and her mother, Katie, working as an equine and nature artist. She launched her own riding career as an apprentice in 2020.
After turning professional, she earned her first group stakes win in 2023 and became the first woman to win a race at Meydan Racecourse. Heart of Honor delivered two strong performances under her guidance in Dubai earlier this season, finishing a close second in the region’s top events for 3-year-olds. Now, she can become the first female jockey to win the Preakness Stakes.
Flavien Prat: Goal Oriented
Flavien Prat heads into the 2025 Preakness Stakes with elite form and a strong contender in Goal Oriented. Prat earned his first Preakness Stakes victory aboard Rombauer in 2021 and added a third-place finish in 2023 with Catching Freedom.
Known for his tactical brilliance, Prat is coming off a banner 2024 season with a record-setting number of stakes victories and an Eclipse Award. This weekend, he teams back up with Bob Baffert for another major win at Pimlico.
Umberto Rispoli: Journalism
Italian-born Umberto Rispoli is emerging as a national presence in 2025 thanks to his connection with Preakness Stakes favorite Journalism. Rispoli has long been a fixture in California racing, but his recent success on the Triple Crown trail has elevated his profile. The duo of Journalism and Rispoli has collected three graded wins since December, including a strong runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Despite early trouble, they rallied gamely behind Sovereignty, proving their class. Now set to go off as the likely Preakness Stakes betting favorite, Rispoli will look to deliver his first Triple Crown win with a horse that continues to impress at the highest level.
Luis Saez: Gosger
Just two days before turning 33, Luis Saez will attempt to secure his first Preakness Stakes victory. One of Panama’s top exports to the racing world, Saez has consistently ranked among North America’s top 10 jockeys by earnings and recently posted a strong meet at Keeneland with a 23% win rate.
He finished second in the 2018 Preakness with Bravazo, just behind Triple Crown winner Justify. Gosger, a colt showing sharp improvement late in the season, will have Luis Saez in the saddle for the first time as they team up following the horse’s standout win in the Lexington Stakes.
John Velazquez: Sandman
Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez brings unmatched experience to this year’s race, entering his 14th Preakness Stakes with the powerful closer Sandman. Velazquez finally won his first Preakness in 2023 aboard National Treasure after several near-misses and is back with a horse with a much different running style.
He partnered with Sandman after being named the rider on May 12 and will look to use his tactical expertise to time the colt’s late kick perfectly. With wins in all three Triple Crown races during his decorated career, Velazquez knows what it takes on the big stage, and Sandman gives him a live shot to repeat.
As the 2025 Preakness Stakes approaches, this dynamic group of jockeys is ready to make headlines. Whether you’re backing a proven star or a rising name, who’s in the irons matters as much as the horse they ride.
For the latest Preakness Stakes betting odds, expert picks, and wagering options, visit our racebook today and confidently place your bets.
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