A Complete Guide to the Preakness Stakes 2025

The U.S. Triple Crown in 2025 is well underway, as the 151st Kentucky Derby is in the history books. A memorable weekend for the Godolphin operation resulted in success in Classics in both the United Kingdom and the United States, with Sovereignty out-staying Journalism to land Derby success.

The three-year-old was bumped coming out of the starting gates, but he quickly regained his composure to finish a length clear of the pre-race favorite, with Baeza and Final Gambit finishing third and fourth, respectively.

Now, all eyes turn to the second leg of the Triple Crown, as the Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico in a couple of weeks.

 

When is the Preakness Stakes 2025?

The 2025 Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. It will be run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, meaning that there will be a mix of runners from Churchill Downs as well as newcomers to the Triple Crown schedule.

A talented field will once again go to post for the world-famous race at Pimlico, but the betting market is likely to be dominated by the best-placed finishes from the Derby if they travel to the course in Maryland.

You can check the odds here: https://www.twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/odds/

Could Sovereignty Line Up?

Bill Mott has refused to rule out a run in the Preakness Stakes for recently crowned Derby champion Sovereignty. However, connections have stopped short of declaring an intention to run in the middle jewel, as they will need to assess his fitness after a hard race on muddy ground at Churchill Downs.

The trainer has also revealed that the three-year-old picked up a cut in the race, meaning that this will need to be treated before any final decision to made. However, there will be huge demand for Sovereignty to run in the Preakness Stakes this year, as success in the race could set up a date with destiny at Saratoga and the Belmont Stakes in June.

 

A Serious Triple Crown Contender?

The U.S. Triple Crown hasn’t been achieved since Justify in 2018. Meanwhile, only California Chrome, I’ll Have Another, and American Pharoah have achieved success in both the Derby and Preakness alongside Justify since 2010.

But, there could be a serious Triple Crown bid on the agenda for Sovereignty this year. Rich Strike and Mystik Dan have both took their chance in the Preakness in recent years, but neither were able to win at Pimlico.

It is also easy to argue that both had outside chances at the very least after upsetting huge odds to win at Churchill Downs. Sovereignty’s talent will ensure that he will be a short price if taking his chance at Preakness, and he was within the top three of the betting for the Derby.

 

Other Derby Rivals Set to Run

Journalism was a well-backed favorite for Derby glory last weekend, but the Michael McCarthy runner struggled to get on terms with the eventual winner in the closing stages.

Despite that, the three-year-old is still regarded by many as the best in the age category in 2025. Due to that, if he was to line up in the Preakness, he could once again go off as the favorite.

Journalism is likely to come on with every run this season, as he lacked the experience of most in the Derby field. Therefore, a bold showing is likely if he travels to Pimlico. However, contenders such as Baeza and Sandman won’t take their chance in the race this year, with connections both indicating that the intention is to target the Belmont Stakes in June.

Preakness Stakes Trends

The trends make for important reading when assessing the Preakness Stakes contenders in 2025. An important factor to bear in mind is the fact that 49% of the Preakness winners have been the top choice in the betting. However, extensive research must still be completed, as outsiders such as Swiss Skydiver and Rombauer have won the race in the last five years.

The historical trends also indicate value in improving horses when making a bet on the Preakness Stakes. That was evident last year, as Seize The Grey won the race, despite missing out on a starting berth in the Kentucky Derby.

Fresh horses have an excellent recent record in the race, with each of the last five winners of the Triple Crown race having opted to bypass the Derby. Although, Swiss Skydiver is included in this trend, having won the Kentucky Oaks.

Who Will Win The Preakness Stakes in 2025?

Despite the field not being officially set, there could be value in the early Preakness odds. Grande makes plenty of appeal for the Todd Pletcher team after being ruled out of the Derby following advise from vets. The three-year-old has won twice from three starts this year, which included a fine second in the Wood Memorial Stakes last time out.