The 150th running of the Preakness 2025, held on May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, marks a bittersweet milestone as the final race before the historic track’s demolition and $400 million rebuild. With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty sidelined, Preakness 2025 favorite Journalism, an 8-5 morning-line pick, headlines a nine-horse field vying for the $2 million purse.
This article dives into Preakness 2025’s key contenders, the race’s stakes, and Pimlico’s legacy, offering fans a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in horse racing.
Background: Pimlico’s Final Preakness and a Triple Crown Void
Preakness 2025, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, unfolds at Pimlico, nicknamed “Old Hilltop,” which opened in 1870 and first hosted the Preakness in 1873. The track, set for demolition post-race due to its aging infrastructure, will host the event at Laurel Park in 2026 and 2027 before returning to a revamped Pimlico in 2028, per Maryland Gov.
Wes Moore’s plan. The absence of Sovereignty, who is skipping Preakness 2025 for the Belmont Stakes, ensures no Triple Crown winner for the seventh straight year, shifting focus to a competitive field led by Journalism, Sandman, and Goal Oriented.
Seabiscuit’s 1938 race victory and Secretariat’s 1973 Preakness triumph are two examples of Pimlico’s legendary past. With Maryland-born jockey Nik Juarez riding American Promise and female jockey Saffie Osborne perhaps winning a record race on Heart of Honor, Preakness 2025 also honors local talent.
Race Preview: Journalism and Contenders
Preakness 2025 features nine horses, with Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, favored at 8-5 odds after four straight wins before Churchill Downs, per NBC Sports. Trained by Michael McCarthy, whose 2021 Preakness win with Rombauer adds credibility, Journalism’s consistency—never finishing worse than third—makes him the horse to beat, per CBS News.
Sandman, who is 4-1 and trained by Mark Casse, has a great Derby seventh-place result and Arkansas Derby pedigree. Sporting News reports that goal-oriented, an unbeaten colt trained by Bob Baffert with eight Preakness victories, is currently at 5-1.
Intrigue is added by longshots like Pay Billy and Gosger, both of whom are 20-1. According to CBS News, Gosger’s Lexington Stakes triumph suggests upside, while Michael Gorham-trained Pay Billy had four victories at Laurel Park in 2025. Despite finishing in 16th place at the Derby, American Promise, led by D. Wayne Lukas, who has seven Preakness victories, could surprise, according to al.com.
A 30% chance of rain may create sloppy conditions, potentially favoring closers like River Thames (9-2), per Sporting News.
Stakes and Legacy of Preakness 2025
Preakness 2025 carries a $2 million purse, with $1.2 million for the winner, and draws added poignancy as Pimlico’s swan song. The race, airing on NBC and Peacock at 7:01 p.m. ET, follows the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, won by Margie’s Intention on May 16, per the Baltimore Sun. T-Pain’s post-race concert adds to the festive vibe, per Yahoo Sports. The Woodlawn Vase, valued at over $4 million, awaits the victor, symbolizing the race’s prestige, per WBAL-TV.
Saffie Osborne’s bid to become the first female jockey to win the Preakness 2025 could make history, while Juarez’s local roots add a hometown narrative, per BloodHorse. Posts on X highlight excitement for Baffert’s Goal Oriented and Pay Billy’s arrival, reflecting fan anticipation.
Why Preakness 2025 Matters
Preakness 2025 is more than a race—it’s a farewell to Pimlico’s current form and a celebration of horse racing’s enduring allure. With Journalism poised to cement his legacy and long shots like Pay-Billy eyeing an upset, the race promises drama.
For fans, Preakness 2025 blends history, competition, and the promise of a reimagined Pimlico, making it a must-watch chapter in the Triple Crown saga. Read more.
Fresh Khaber was founded by Abdul Basit, a passionate sports enthusiast with a deep interest in covering the latest developments in the sports world. Abdul is committed to delivering insightful, well-researched content that is accessible to fans, athletes, and readers globally. With a focus on accuracy and clarity, he leads Fresh Khaber in providing reliable news and updates to a dedicated audience.