150th Preakness Stakes Set for May 17: Journalism Favored as Sovereignty Sits Out

The 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course, but this year’s field comes with a twist Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not be competing, leaving the Triple Crown pursuit on hold. In his absence, Journalism has emerged as the morning line favorite, listed at 8-5 odds heading into race day.

🏇 A Historic Milestone at Pimlico

This year’s Preakness marks a major milestone: 150 runnings of the second jewel in the Triple Crown. The event remains one of America’s most iconic races, steeped in tradition and known for its shorter distance and quick pace compared to the Derby.

• Race distance: 1 3/16 miles
• Purse: $2 million
• Venue: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
• Post time: Approximately 6:50 PM ET

The absence of a Derby winner opens the door for new narratives and plenty of unpredictability.

🟡 Journalism Leads the Pack

With Sovereignty out, the focus shifts to Journalism, a colt known for his acceleration and race awareness. Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Journalism enters Pimlico as the clear favorite thanks to consistent form and a strong showing in recent Grade 1 events.

• Odds: 8-5 (morning line)
• Strengths: Tactical speed, proven closing ability
• Questions: Performance on softer tracks, slight distance concerns

“He’s training beautifully and should handle the Pimlico bend well,” said Pletcher ahead of the draw.

🌧️ Rain in the Forecast: Who Benefits?

Weather could play a key role in the outcome. With wet conditions likely, horses with prior success on sloppy or yielding tracks will gain an edge.

• Journalism has limited exposure to off track conditions
• Bay Street Brawler (5-1) and Hard Truth (6-1) have both posted wins on muddy surfaces
• Jockey tactics and early positioning may be more crucial than ever

A wet track could turn this race into a test of grit and adaptability rather than just raw speed.

🔮 Other Contenders to Watch

• Bay Street Brawler: Hard running colt with strong late kick; thrives in traffic
• Hard Truth: Consistent placer, could capitalize on mistakes ahead
• Steel Symphony: Longshot with pedigree for distance, but untested against top tier rivals

Without a Triple Crown contender, this Preakness becomes more about proving class and resilience and possibly setting up a new rivalry heading into the Belmont Stakes.

📰 Final Thoughts

The 150th Preakness Stakes promises drama, depth, and a wide open field in the absence of Derby winner Sovereignty. With Journalism leading the betting and weather expected to shake things up, Saturday’s race at Pimlico could become one for the history books for reasons no one saw coming.