The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is set to take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. With a $2 million purse, this race will feature a competitive field of nine three-year-olds, including three Kentucky Derby runners and several fresh contenders looking to make their mark.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Goal Oriented (Trainer: Bob Baffert | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Bizzy Caroline
- Morning Line Odds: 6-1
- Analysis: Undefeated in two career starts, including a front-running allowance win at Churchill Downs. Baffert has won the Preakness eight times, making this colt a serious contender.
2. Journalism (Trainer: Michael McCarthy | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
- Pedigree: Curlin – Mopotism
- Morning Line Odds: 8-5 (Favorite)
- Analysis: Kentucky Derby runner-up, finishing 1½ lengths behind Sovereignty. Won four straight races in California before the Derby, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1). The one to beat.
3. American Promise (Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas | Jockey: Nik Juarez)
- Pedigree: Justify – Tapella
- Morning Line Odds: 15-1
- Analysis: Finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby after pressing the early pace. Lukas has seven Preakness victories, making this colt an intriguing longshot.
4. Heart of Honor (Trainer: Jamie Osborne | Jockey: Saffie Osborne)
- Pedigree: Honor A. P. – Ruby Love
- Morning Line Odds: 12-1
- Analysis: A European-bred colt who finished second in the UAE Derby (G2). Has international experience but must prove he can handle American dirt racing.
5. Pay Billy (Trainer: Michael Gorham | Jockey: Raul E. Mena)
- Pedigree: Improbable – Harlington’s Rose
- Morning Line Odds: 20-1
- Analysis: Earned his way into the Preakness by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. A local hopeful with longshot potential.
6. River Thames (Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
- Pedigree: Maclean’s Music – Proportionality
- Morning Line Odds: 9-2
- Analysis: Skipped the Kentucky Derby to target the Preakness. Has strong tactical speed and could be a major factor.
7. Sandman (Trainer: Mark Casse | Jockey: John R. Velazquez)
- Pedigree: Tapit – Distorted Music
- Morning Line Odds: 4-1
- Analysis: Finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby. Has solid stamina and could improve with a better trip.
8. Clever Again (Trainer: Steven Asmussen | Jockey: Jose Ortiz)
- Pedigree: American Pharoah – Flattering
- Morning Line Odds: 5-1
- Analysis: A lightly raced colt with a blazing speed figure of 101 in his last race. Could be dangerous if he gets a clean break.
9. Gosger (Trainer: Brendan Walsh | Jockey: Luis Saez)
- Pedigree: Nyquist – Gloria S
- Morning Line Odds: 20-1
- Analysis: A longshot with solid closing ability. Needs a fast pace to set up his late run.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a fast early pace, with Goal Oriented and Clever Again likely to push forward.
- Key Contenders: Journalism is the favorite, but Sandman and River Thames could pose a challenge.
- Potential Longshot: Pay Billy has local experience and could surprise with a well-timed move.
