History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873. It is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. It follows the Kentucky Derby and precedes the Belmont Stakes. The event is held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is nicknamed the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” after Maryland’s state flower.
The race covers 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track, making it the shortest of the Triple Crown races. Its inaugural running predates the Kentucky Derby by two years, though it has not been continuous since 1873. The race was named after Preakness, a colt who won a stakes race at Pimlico in 1870.
Notable moments include Secretariat’s record-setting 1:53.00 in 1973. It is still the fastest time in Preakness Stakes history. Also notable is the 1919 victory of Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner. The race has seen 73 favorites win in its first 149 editions. However, no favorite has won since Justify in 2018. Recent trends show a shift. Eight of the last 25 winners did not run in the Kentucky Derby.
This trend favors fresh horses. Legendary trainers like Bob Baffert (eight wins) and D. Wayne Lukas (seven wins) have left their mark. In 2025, the 150th running marks the final Preakness at the current Pimlico. Renovations will begin afterward. The 2026 race is set for Laurel Park.
150th Preakness Stakes Favorites
The 2025 Preakness Stakes features a nine-horse field, with the following standouts based on performance and odds:
- Journalism (8-5): The morning-line favorite, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli. A Curlin colt, Journalism finished second in the Kentucky Derby, beaten by Sovereignty on a wet track. His resume includes wins in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). He also won the San Felipe (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). He achieved a top Beyer Speed Figure of 108. His experience against elite competition is impressive. Consistent high-speed figures make him the horse to beat. However, the two-week Derby turnaround raises stamina concerns. Experts note his ability to sit off the pace could benefit him in a race with early speed.
- Sandman (4-1): Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by John Velazquez, Sandman won the Arkansas Derby (G1). However, he finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby. This Tapit colt is named after Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” He is a closer who needs a fast early pace. This allows him to unleash his late kick. His Beyer Speed Figure of 99 in the Arkansas Derby puts him just below Journalism. Recent equipment changes (back to regular horseshoes) may improve his performance. Sandman’s experience and closing style make him a strong contender.
- River Thames (9-2): Trained by Todd Pletcher (0-10 in Preakness history) and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. This Maclean’s Music colt finished second to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth (G2). He also finished third in the Blue Grass (G1). Skipped the Derby to focus on the Preakness, giving him fresher legs. His rallying style suits a race with projected early speed, and his pedigree supports the distance. A top choice for those seeking value outside the top two.
Best Longshot Options
Longshots (15-1 or higher) have won only seven times in Preakness Stakes history, but recent trends favor fresh horses. Here are the best longshot options for 2025:
- Pay Billy (20-1): A local Maryland horse trained by Michael Gorham and ridden by Raul Mena. This Improbable colt qualified by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. He posted an 85 Beyer Speed Figure there. Pay Billy has won four of his last five races, excelling on fast tracks (4-for-6). His mid-pack running style could capitalize on a speed duel. His local experience at Laurel Park, where the 2026 Preakness will be held, adds intrigue. Experts like Jody Demling suggest using him in exotics for value, especially given his trainer’s 24% win rate in 2025.
- American Promise (15-1): Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, a seven-time Preakness winner, and ridden by Nik Juarez. This colt won the Virginia Derby but faded to 16th in the Kentucky Derby. Known for early speed, he could set the pace alongside Goal Oriented. Lukas’s history of pulling off upsets (e.g., Seize the Grey at 12-1 in 2024) makes American Promise a viable exotic play, though his Derby performance tempers win expectations.
- Gosger (20-1): Limited details are available. Experts like Demling note this colt as a double-digit longshot. They see potential to “spice up exotics.” Likely a fresh horse not in the Derby, Gosger could benefit from the trend of newcomers outperforming Derby runners. Consider for trifecta or superfecta tickets at high odds.
Among these, Pay Billy stands out as the most compelling longshot. This is due to his consistent local form and fast-track success. He also has the potential to hit the board at a big price.
Preakness Stakes Latest Odds
As of May 17, 2025 at Heritage Sports:
Odds are subject to change due to parimutuel betting, where payouts adjust based on final wagering pools. Journalism’s odds may shorten closer to post time, potentially dipping below 6/5. This is ONLY if you bet at US Racetracks or off-track betting. If you wager Online, like at Heritage Sports, your odds are LOCKED in. You get the odds you received when your wager was placed.
How to Watch the 150th Preakness Stakes
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Post Time: 7:01 p.m. ET
- TV Coverage: NBC (main race), CNBC (early races), starting at 4:00 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app (coverage begins at 4:00 p.m. ET)
- In-Person: Tickets available via StubHub for Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
- Additional Events: Friday’s Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (Grade II, $300,000 purse) airs on Peacock at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Weather Forecast
The forecast for Baltimore on May 17, 2025, indicates a high of 86°F. Skies will be partly sunny. There is a 60% chance of showers after 2:00 p.m. EDT. The track is expected to be fast unless significant rain occurs closer to race time. Heat near 90°F may affect horse performance, favoring those with proven form in warm conditions, like Pay Billy and Sandman.
Additional Notes from Pimlico Race Course
- Purse: $2 million
- Track: Pimlico Race Course, 1 3/16 miles, dirt
- Betting Tips: Favorites like Journalism are logical for win bets but offer low returns. For value, consider exotics (trifecta: Journalism over Clever Again over River Thames/Pay Billy). Longshots like Pay Billy or American Promise are best for place/show or exotic tickets. Parimutuel betting means odds fluctuate until post time.
- Cultural Highlights: The Preakness features traditions like the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. It includes vodka, St-Germain, pineapple, lime, and orange juices. There will also be a T-Pain performance in 2025.
- Expert Insights: Jody Demling nailed the last two Preakness trifectas. He is high on Clever Again (5-1). He also favors a double-digit longshot, likely Pay Billy or Gosger. Michelle Yu favors a longshot with early speed, potentially Goal Oriented or American Promise.
This preview encapsulates the 150th Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course. It blends historical context with current contenders. It also includes betting strategies and logistical details for an immersive experience.
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