Preakness Stakes Betting News: Triple Crown Dream is Over

HORSE RACINGNEWS
May 9, 2025

Preakness Stakes Betting News

No Triple Crown in 2025: What Happened and Why It Matters

 

The dream of a Triple Crown winner in 2025 has ended before the second jewel of the series. Sovereignty, the impressive winner of the Kentucky Derby, will not compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 17. This decision has reshaped the landscape for Horse Racing Betting, with significant changes expected in the Preakness Stakes betting strategies.

A few days after Sovereignty’s powerful finish secured Godolphin their first Kentucky Derby victory, the team announced he won’t be running in the Preakness. With Sovereignty skipping the Preakness, those looking to bet on Preakness have to adjust and open the door for other contenders to take center stage at Pimlico Race Course.

 

Sovereignty to Skip the Preakness for Long-Term Goals

 

Sovereignty’s trainer, Bill Mott, and the Godolphin team opted for a longer-term approach, deciding to rest the colt and point him toward the Belmont Stakes on June 7. The Derby was his third tough race of the season, run over a muddy surface, and the team believes that giving him more time to recover is best for his long-term future. 

Mott clarified that Sovereignty came out of the Derby well physically, but the connections preferred to skip the quick two-week turnaround.

This strategic decision echoes similar moves from recent years. In 2019, Country House, also trained by Mott, missed the Preakness due to illness. 

Then in 2022, Rich Strike skipped the second leg and went directly to the Belmont. This trend has reignited debate in the horse racing community about whether the current Triple Crown schedule, with just two weeks between the Derby and the Preakness, is still suitable in modern racing.

 

A Wide-Open Preakness Field

 

That decision officially ends any chance of a Triple Crown sweep in 2025. While that may dampen some excitement for casual fans, it has increased interest among serious bettors looking to capitalize on value plays through exotic bets.

With the heavy Derby favorite out, new opportunities arise for contenders like Journalism (5/2), the Kentucky Derby runner-up, who remains under consideration for the Preakness.

Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, ran a strong race at Churchill Downs, closing late to finish just behind Sovereignty. His connections are closely monitoring his recovery, and a final decision on his Preakness entry has yet to be made. Should he be entered, he could emerge as the favorite in the updated Preakness Stakes odds, given his recent form and closing ability.

Other Derby contenders are also reassessing their plans. Baeza, who finished third in the Derby after sneaking into the field late, will likely skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont. Sandman (8/1), a deep closer who had issues with the off track and finished seventh, is another heading to the Belmont instead.

Meanwhile, horses that missed the Derby could become new Preakness players. Rodriguez (5/1), trained by Bob Baffert and scratched from the Derby due to a minor foot injury, is still being considered for the Preakness lineup. 

Depending on health evaluations, Todd Pletcher’s River Thames (12/1) is another possibility. Among other possible contenders for the Preakness are Clever Again (12/1), American Promise (20/1), Gosger (20/1), Caldera (30/1), Heart Of Honor (30/1), and Pay Billy (30/1).

 

Trends in Triple Crown Campaigns

 

This year’s Preakness is shaping up to be unpredictable. Without a dominant horse in the mix, Preakness Stakes betting odds will likely be spread across a wider group of contenders, offering potentially higher payouts for those who make sharp picks. Bettors should consider closers and tactical runners who can handle the tight turnaround and a potentially fast pace.

Although the absence of a Triple Crown bid in 2025 might be disappointing, it reflects a growing shift in how elite trainers and owners approach race schedules. Today’s racing culture prioritizes rest, long-term success, and health over tradition. Whether or not the Triple Crown structure changes in future years, the trend of spacing out major starts is gaining traction.

For the latest insights, updated Preakness Stakes odds, and expert picks, visit our racebook.

 

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