By editor 
A New Chapter in the Preakness Legacy: The 150th Running in 2025
The 150th Preakness Stakes, slated for May 17, 2025, carries with it the weight of history and a fresh wave of excitement. Held at Baltimore’s iconic Pimlico Race Course, this event is a highlight on the horse racing calendar, renowned as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Despite the unexpected lack of a Triple Crown contender this year following the withdrawal of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, the race promises fierce competition and compelling storylines that engage fans and bettors alike.
The Significance of Pimlico and the 2025 Milestone
Scheduled with a 7:01 p.m. ET post time, the race at Pimlico is more than a tradition—it embodies decades of equestrian excellence. Since its inception in 1873, Pimlico has been the steadfast home of the Preakness Stakes. The 2025 running gains additional historical significance as the last at Pimlico before potential relocation to Laurel Park in 2026 due to construction activities. This transitional moment imbues the event with a poignant sense of closure and anticipation, enhancing the stakes beyond the race itself.
Absence of a Triple Crown Hopeful: Shifting Focus
The withdrawal of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby champion, removes the tantalizing possibility of a Triple Crown victory this year, a scenario that often electrifies the crowd and media alike. However, this shift allows other contenders to step into the limelight, the most notable being Journalism. Having finished second in the Derby and now holding 8-5 morning-line odds, Journalism emerges as the favored candidate to seize the Preakness crown. This change reshapes the narrative from chasing historic glory to testing depth and strategy within a highly talented field.
Contenders to Watch: Profiles and Potential Impact
Journalism: Positioned for Victory
Journalism embodies the promise of consistency and skill, entering the race with strong credentials and bookmaker confidence. His favorable post position at No. 2 provides a tactical edge—a near rail start that often benefits horses over Pimlico’s demanding 1 3/16 mile route. Analysts praise his finishing speed and competitive experience, making him a natural favorite to dominate the field. The 8-5 odds reflect not just past performance, but also expert trust in his ability to capitalize on the open field left by Sovereignty’s absence.
Rodriguez and Clever Again: The Formidable Rivals
Behind Journalism, horses like Rodriguez (at around 5-1 odds) and Clever Again present compelling challenges. Rodriguez benefits from skilled jockeyship and a solid racing record, though his final placement and prior race form will be critical in defining his impact. Clever Again attracts attention from handicappers intrigued by previous Preakness trends where favorites face stiff competition. Their presence adds layers of unpredictability, promising potential upsets and tactical battles on race day.
Long Shots: American Promise and Gosger
The presence of long shots like American Promise and Gosger enriches the race atmosphere with suspense and opportunity. American Promise, backed by the legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, is notable not only for his 15-1 odds but the chance to write new chapters in training history. Lukas aims to set records for most Preakness wins and become the oldest trainer to claim a Triple Crown race victory, a narrative stirring interest beyond mere betting lines. Gosger, with the longest odds at 20-1, holds appeal for risk-takers looking for high payout potential. Together, they emphasize the field’s depth and the allure of the unexpected.
The Role of Post Positions in Race Strategy
Post positions can decisively shape the race’s dynamics, especially at a venue like Pimlico where track layout and distance matter. Journalism’s allocation to post 2 affords him an inside track advantage, minimizing distance traveled and providing a clean break from the gate. Conversely, other horses must navigate traffic and positioning challenges that require expert handling by jockeys. The presence of veteran jockey Saez, who faces the demanding task of surpassing three previous Preakness winners, highlights the interplay of strategy, skill, and luck inherent in this competition.
Analytical Perspectives and Betting Advice
Veteran handicappers such as Jeff Hochman and Ed DeRosa bring informed, often contrarian views to betting strategies for this Preakness. Hochman’s past successes—winning 22 of the last 36 Triple Crown races and correctly picking Big Brown in 2008—lend significant weight to his predictions. DeRosa adds a layer of complexity by factoring in race-day conditions, urging bettors to consider more nuanced wager structures like exotic combinations rather than relying solely on favorites.
Several experts express cautious skepticism about Journalism’s favoritism, citing historical challenges in defeating Derby winners at Pimlico. This skepticism encourages bettors to examine the field more closely rather than placing undue faith in established frontrunners. The diverse nine-horse lineup creates a fertile environment for surprises, requiring a balanced appreciation of form, odds, race conditions, and jockey tactics.
Beyond the Race: Stories that Enrich the 2025 Preakness
The absence of a Triple Crown hopeful might dampen some expectations, but the richer storylines surrounding this 150th running invigorate the event. The hefty $2 million purse, combined with top-tier talent, ensures intense competition. D. Wayne Lukas’s quest for record-breaking training accolades and emerging jockeys’ ambitions inject dynamic human drama into the contest.
Moreover, with Pimlico’s imminent hiatus, the 2025 race acts as a bridge between eras—marking the end of an uninterrupted tradition and the beginning of new chapters in location and race planning. This context transforms the event into a celebration of Preakness history and a glimpse into its evolving future.
Closing Reflections: Embracing Tradition and Uncertainty
The 2025 Preakness Stakes epitomizes the captivating blend of heritage, strategy, and unpredictability that defines classic horse racing. While Journalism leads the charge, the race’s intricate dynamics and expert insights caution against simple certainty. The convergence of seasoned trainers, skilled jockeys, and a varied field ensures an event brimming with excitement.
As Pimlico prepares for what could be its final Preakness for some time, the 150th running remains a vivid testimony to the sport’s enduring allure. For enthusiasts and bettors alike, understanding nuanced odds, the critical role of post positions, and heeding seasoned handicappers’ advice will illuminate their path through this thrilling chapter of horse racing history.