The 150th Preakness Stakes is set to captivate horse racing enthusiasts on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty opting out to focus on the Belmont Stakes, the field opens up, positioning Journalism, the Derby runner-up, as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Renowned horse racing expert Jody Demling, known for accurately predicting 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners, shares his top picks and betting strategies for this pivotal Triple Crown race.
Comprehensive Preview of the 2025 Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series, presents a compelling lineup of contenders, each bringing unique strengths to the track. With Sovereignty absent, the race dynamics shift, offering bettors intriguing opportunities.
Top Contenders:
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Journalism (8-5): After a strong second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism emerges as the favorite. Trained by Todd Pletcher, this colt has demonstrated consistent performance, making him a formidable competitor.
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Clever Again (5-1): A son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Clever Again boasts impressive speed figures. Demling highlights him as a value pick, noting his potential to capitalize on the race's pace scenario.
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Goal Oriented (6-1): Bob Baffert's entry, Goal Oriented, remains undefeated in two starts. His front-running style could be advantageous on Pimlico's speed-favoring track. River Thames (9-2): Known for his consistency, River Thames has narrowly missed top finishes against strong competition. His tactical speed positions him as a strong contender.
Longshot to Watch:
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Gosger (20-1): With two wins in 2025, including a Graded Stakes victory at Keeneland, Gosger presents a high-upside option for bettors seeking value.
Expert Betting Strategies
Jody Demling advises bettors to consider the following strategies for the 2025 Preakness Stakes:
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Win Bets: While Journalism is the favorite, Clever Again offers a balance of value and potential, especially given his pedigree and recent performances.
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Exacta and Trifecta: Combining Journalism and Clever Again in exacta bets could yield favorable returns. Including longshots like Gosger in trifecta bets may enhance payouts.
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Superfecta: A combination of Journalism, Clever Again, Goal Oriented, and Gosger could be a strategic superfecta play, balancing favorites with high-upside contenders.
Race Details and Viewing Information
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Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
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Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
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Post Time: 7:01 p.m. ET
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Broadcast: NBC and Peacock, with coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. ET
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Streaming Options: Viewers can stream the race for free using services like DIRECTV Stream, which offers a five-day free trial, or subscribe to NBC’s Peacock for comprehensive coverage.
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