Get to know the 2025 Preakness Stakes contenders
)
Octogenarian Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas teamed up with young rider Jaime Torres to win the 2024 Preakness (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
***Updated after the draw with post positions and morning-line odds
With Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sovereignty awaiting the Belmont (G1), there will be no Triple Crown hopes in the May 17 Preakness (G1).
But the middle jewel promises to attract an intriguing field. In the build-up to Monday's draw, here are the candidates for the 1 3/16-mile classic at Pimlico.
Journalism at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Journalism, Post 2, 8-5 favorite
Runner-up as the Derby favorite previously won four straight capped by the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
Trainer: Michael McCarthy; Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Pedigree: Curlin-Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
Sandman trains for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Sandman, Post 7, 4-1
Arkansas Derby (G1) winner was initially expected to pass Baltimore after his seventh in the Kentucky Derby, but entered the picture one week ahead of the race.
Owners: D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds & CJ Stables
Trainer: Mark Casse; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: Tapit-Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor
American Promise wins the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Media / Credit to Lauren Johnson)
American Promise, Post 3, 15-1
Virginia Derby romper tired to 16th in the Kentucky Derby after chasing the fast pace.
Owner: BC Stables
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas; Jockey: Nik Juarez
Pedigree: Justify-Tapella, by Tapit
River Thames wins at Gulfstream (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Ryan Thompson)
River Thames, Post 6, 9-2
Runner-up to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth (G2), and close third in the Blue Grass (G1), qualified for the 1 1/4-mile Derby on points, but preferred the shorter distance of the Preakness.
Owners: CHC & WinStar Farm
Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: Maclean’s Music-Proportionality, by Discreet Cat
Gosger wins the Lexington at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)
Gosger, Post 9, 20-1
Late bloomer readily passed his stakes and two-turn test in the Lexington (G3).
Owner: Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables
Trainer: Brendan Walsh; Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: Nyquist-Gloria S, by Tapit
Clever Again romps in the Hot Springs (Photo by Coady Media)
Clever Again, Post 8, 5-1
Up-and-comer wired the Hot Springs S. by four lengths in his stakes debut at Oaklawn Park.
Owners: Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: American Pharoah-Flattering, by Galileo
Pay Billy booked his Preakness ticket in the Federico Tesio (Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)
Pay Billy, Post 5, 20-1
Local hero captured the “Win and You’re In” Federico Tesio S. and Private Terms S. at Laurel.
Owner: RKTN Racing
Trainer: Michael Gorham; Jockey: Raul Mena
Pedigree: Improbable-Harlington’s Rose, by Harlington
Heart of Honor at Meydan (Photo by Dubai Racing Club)
Heart of Honor, Post 4, 12-1
British shipper endured seconditis in all three legs of the UAE Triple Crown, most recently missing by a nose in the UAE Derby (G2).
Owner: Jim and Claire Limited
Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Pedigree: Honor A. P.-Ruby Love, by Scat Daddy
Goal Oriented wins a Derby Day allowance at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)
Goal Oriented, Post 1, 6-1
Winner of a Churchill Downs allowance on Derby Day will bring a 2-for-2 record into his stakes debut.
Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan
Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: Not This Time-Bizzy Caroline, by Afleet Alex
Authors
Categories
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Brisnet Betting Guide
PDF download of the Brisnet Betting Guide w/ PPs, news, analysis, & more!
Buy NowBruno With the Works
Bruno De Julio & team bring 30+ yrs experience observing racehorses to Brisnet with valuable insight into their morning routines & chances for success in the afternoons.
Buy NowADVERTISEMENT