Preakness Stakes Contenders: What to Expect on the Field

HORSE RACING
May 12, 2025

2025 Preakness Stakes Contenders: What to Expect on the Field

 

Preakness Stakes 2025 Date, Track, and Conditions

The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the iconic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. As the second jewel of the Triple Crown, it follows the Kentucky Derby and precedes the Belmont Stakes. Post time is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage on online streaming options available.

This year’s edition has a twist: Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not run in the Preakness, shifting the dynamic for contenders hoping to capture the spotlight.

As of May 7, weather forecasts predict partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures around 72°F, and only a 20% chance of rain. However, track conditions can change quickly at Pimlico. Trainers and bettors will monitor the forecast for any signs of moisture, which could affect race strategy and performance.

The field is still taking shape, and with the final gate draw set for Monday, May 12, here’s a look at the top horses on the bubble—those whose participation is likely but still pending final confirmation.

 

Journalism

Journalism enters the Preakness picture with a standout résumé. The colt finished second in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, adding to an already impressive campaign that includes a four-race win streak capped by a dominant performance in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). His points total and high-profile finish at Churchill Downs automatically qualify him for consideration in the Preakness Stakes.

Trainer Michael McCarthy has kept the colt in peak condition, and his recovery and readiness post-Derby have made him a near-certain entry, pending gate draw logistics.

 

Rodriguez

Rodriguez, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, qualified for the Derby based on his gate-to-wire victory in the Wood Memorial (G2). Although he finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, his pace-setting style and ability to remain competitive against elite fields have kept him firmly in the Preakness Stakes conversation.

Baffert has a storied history in the Preakness, and the connections see this as a prime opportunity to rebound and push Rodriguez into the winner’s circle with a shorter field and tighter turns at Pimlico.

 

Sandman

Sandman earned his place on the Preakness radar through his late-running victory in the Arkansas Derby (G1). He also turned heads in the Kentucky Derby, closing from deep in the field to secure a top-five finish. That combination of graded stakes success and closing style makes him an attractive option in a race known for tactical movement around the final turn.

Trained by Mark Casse and co-owned by influencer Griffin Johnson, Sandman brings racing credentials and mainstream attention to the Preakness Stakes.

 

Clever Again

Clever Again has become a dark horse for the Preakness despite not running in the Kentucky Derby. His eligibility stems from strong showings in listed stakes races and a pedigree tracing back to Triple Crown champion American Pharoah.

Trainer Steve Asmussen has had success with second-leg strategy in the past, and with no major red flags in terms of condition or recovery, the colt remains one of the top “new shooters” looking to make a splash at Pimlico.

 

River Thames

River Thames did not accumulate enough points to make the Kentucky Derby gate but is under active consideration for the Preakness due to his solid prep race finishes and proven stamina at middle distances.

His connections have expressed interest in targeting the Preakness specifically due to its configuration and slightly shorter distance than the Derby. With a clean bill of health and consistent training times, River Thames remains a likely contender pending field depth.

 

American Promise

American Promise is another possible new shooter for Pimlico. He competed consistently through the spring, with solid results in Grade 2 and Grade 3 prep events, including a third-place finish in the Lexington Stakes.

While not flashy, his consistency and ability to handle multiple track conditions make him a candidate for a mid-field spot should other Derby horses bypass the Preakness.

 

Gosger

Gosger’s potential inclusion is based on his early-season success in allowance-level races and a respectable fourth-place effort in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1). His connections see Pimlico as a suitable challenge for a proven, reliable colt over dirt at varying distances.

Pending final works and the size of the field, Gosger could slide into one of the final Preakness gates as a wildcard entry.

 

Caldera

Caldera may be a longshot, but he has met eligibility requirements through graded stakes participation, notably a second-place finish in the Sunland Derby. His training regimen has remained consistent since that run, and his team is closely watching withdrawals and scratch possibilities ahead of the gate draw.

While untested against top-tier competition, Caldera’s connections believe he can handle the step up if given the opportunity.

 

Heart Of Honor

Heart Of Honor gained attention with a surprising win in a minor stakes race at Oaklawn earlier this spring. Although he did not qualify for the Derby, the colt has demonstrated rapid improvement and versatility, with the Preakness being viewed as his opportunity to break through on a national stage.

His speed figures suggest he could compete if the race sets up for tactical speed, and Pimlico’s layout may favor his preferred trip.

 

Pay Billy

Pay Billy rounds out the bubble list. He finished second in a regional Derby prep and was on standby for the Kentucky Derby. His connections have shifted their focus to the Preakness, citing the race’s shorter distance and projected field depth as reasons to enter.

While he lacks the name recognition of other horses in this group, his recent bullet workout at Fair Hill indicates that he’ll be in competitive form if selected.

 

Betting Implications for Preakness Stakes Week

With Sovereignty out of the picture, this year’s Preakness Stakes has opened the door for new narratives and betting angles. For those analyzing the field, it’s essential to monitor not just names but also final entries, workouts, and how each horse profiles against a likely smaller field than the Derby.

As bettors gear up for Preakness Stakes betting, they should note that the draw can heavily impact odds. Front-runners drawn inside often get favorable setups at Pimlico, while closers may benefit from outside posts and a slower early pace.

This is especially relevant when placing exotic bets on the Preakness, such as trifectas and superfectas, as understanding trip dynamics is key. With fluid movement on the leaderboard and changing headlines daily, staying updated is essential to making informed decisions.

 

Final Spots Still in Flux

As the May 12 gate draw approaches, several horses remain in contention for a place in the 2025 Preakness Stakes starting gate. Whether they qualified via strong prep performances, Derby form, or consistent spring campaigns, each contender brings a unique angle to the race.

This period before the draw is critical for fans looking to bet on the Preakness Stakes. Watch for changes in training schedules, official scratches, and updates from trainers and racing officials. The preakness stakes odds will continue to fluctuate until post time on May 17, and being well-informed can make all the difference.

From potential surprises to seasoned closers, the Preakness field is taking shape—and with it, the heart of the Preakness Stakes betting season begins.

 

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