2025 Preakness Stakes Preview: Expert Picks, Horse Profiles & Betting Odds for the 150th Running
Clever Again trains at Pimlico for the Preakness S. 2025 (Photo by MJC/Jerry Dzierwinski)
#1 GOAL ORIENTED (6-1 ML)
Unbeaten in two career starts, this talented Bob Baffert trainee impressed with a sharp allowance win on the Kentucky Derby undercard. The Not This Time colt has shown versatility, winning on the lead and from off the pace. He’s stepping up in class, but his sharp recent workout and strong connections make him a serious contender. Flavien Prat stays aboard.
#2 JOURNALISM (8-5 ML)
The morning-line favorite comes off a gritty second in the Kentucky Derby and brings Grade 1 credentials from his Santa Anita Derby win. The Curlin colt draws inside, which can be tricky, but his tactical speed and consistency make him the one to beat. Trainer Mike McCarthy sends him out with regular rider Umberto Rispoli.
#3 AMERICAN PROMISE (15-1 ML)
This longshot had a rough trip in the Derby after winning the Virginia Derby last fall. The Justify colt should improve second off the layoff and projects to be forwardly placed under Nik Juarez. A sleeper pick who could shake things up at a big price.
#4 HEART OF HONOR (12-1 ML)
Consistent overseas runner with six top-two finishes from as many starts, including a solid second in the UAE Derby. The Honor A. P. colt makes his U.S. debut for Jamie Osborne, with Saffie Osborne in the irons again. He has the stamina and class, but will need to adjust quickly to American racing.
#5 PAY BILLY (20-1 ML)
Local contender enters off back-to-back wins in the Private Terms and Federico Tesio Stakes. While he’s stepping up in company, he’s proven at the distance and has home-track experience. Raul Mena retains the mount for trainer Michael Gorham.
#6 RIVER THAMES (9-2 ML)
Todd Pletcher's promising Maclean’s Music colt has hit the board in all four career starts, including strong efforts in the Fountain of Youth and Blue Grass Stakes. He has tactical speed and should get a good stalking trip under Irad Ortiz Jr. Major win threat.
#7 SANDMAN (4-1 ML)
The Tapit colt from Mark Casse’s barn had a troubled trip in the Derby after winning the Arkansas Derby impressively. A clear trip here could see him flying late under Hall of Famer John Velazquez. Dangerous closer with a big kick.
#8 CLEVER AGAIN (5-1 ML)
Lightly raced American Pharoah colt is undefeated in two starts this season, most recently taking the Hot Springs Stakes. Trained by Steve Asmussen, he’s trending the right way and gets Jose Ortiz back aboard. An intriguing new shooter in this field.
#9 GOSGER (20-1 ML)
This improving Nyquist colt broke through in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland but will face tougher here. Still lightly raced, he’s never run a bad one and could outrun his odds for Brendan Walsh, though he’ll need a speed boost to contend.
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Preakness Stakes Best Bets:
Top Picks
#2 Journalism
#3 American Promise
#8 Clever Again
#7 Sandman
Wagers
$10 Exacta 2 with 3, 7, 8
$1 trifecta 2 with 3, 7, 8 with all
$1 superfecta 2, 3 with 2, 3 with 7, 8 with all
@Elite Wisdom Equestrian