The road to the Triple Crown rolls into Baltimore with the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, set for May 17, 2025, at historic Pimlico Race Course. With the dust barely settled from the Kentucky Derby, all eyes are now on which 3-year-olds will take the next step toward racing immortality. While the official entry list won’t be confirmed for several more days, a core group of elite colts is emerging as the most likely, and most formidable, Preakness starters.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty launched a powerful stretch drive to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby, edging out heavy favorite Journalism with a relentless final furlong. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and owned by global powerhouse Godolphin, this son of Into Mischief has shown steady progression all year. He began the season with a sharp win in the Fountain of Youth, then came charging late to finish a close second in the Florida Derby.
Whether he runs in the Preakness is still undecided—Godolphin’s bloodstock director Michael Banahan has said the team will take a few days to evaluate how the colt is recovering from the Derby effort. It’s a quick two-week turnaround, and Mott is known for putting the horse’s health above historical ambitions. Still, if Sovereignty shows he’s bouncing back well, he’ll be the horse to beat in Baltimore.
Meanwhile, interest in the 2025 Preakness betting markets are already picking up pace. As fans wait for final entries, early odds continue to shift based on speculation, past performances, and the potential for a Triple Crown storyline.
Journalism
The Derby favorite, Journalism, ran a brave race at Churchill Downs. After falling behind early on the sloppy track, he launched a sustained rally to go head-to-head with Sovereignty down the stretch, ultimately falling just a length short. His runner-up effort only reinforced his reputation as one of the most consistent and durable 3-year-olds in training.
Trainer Michael McCarthy, who won the 2021 Preakness with Rombauer, has left the door open for a return to Baltimore. His colt has bounced back well from quick turnarounds in the past, and if the connections choose to go, Journalism’s stalking style and battle-tested resume make him a logical threat.
Rodriguez
One of the most buzzed-about colts heading into the Kentucky Derby, Rodriguez was forced to scratch just days before the race due to a bruised foot. While the setback disappointed his connections, it may become an advantage at Pimlico, where he’s now on track to make a significant impact in the Preakness.
A son of Authentic, the 2020 Kentucky Derby champion, Rodriguez enters with some of the fastest speed figures in the field. He posted a 101 Beyer Speed Figure in his decisive victory in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, following a 100 Beyer in his previous outing. That kind of consistency at a high level sets him apart as a serious contender.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert knows how to prepare a horse for this race. With a record eight Preakness wins, he’s already the most successful trainer in the race’s history. A ninth win with Rodriguez would only extend his legacy as the master of Pimlico.
Clever Again
Clever Again brings both pedigree and performance to the Preakness conversation. A son of American Pharoah, the first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades, he made just one start at two but returned with a breakout performance this spring.
In only his third career start, Clever Again dominated the Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn Park, earning an impressive 101 Beyer Speed Figure. His early speed and ability to finish strongly make him a tactical threat.
Trainer Steve Asmussen is no stranger to Preakness success, having won the race with Curlin in 2007 and Rachel Alexandra in 2009. With Asmussen’s experience and the colt’s rapid development, Clever Again is becoming a serious contender at Pimlico.
River Thames
Though not as high-profile as some of his peers, River Thames has launched a quietly impressive campaign. He nearly upset Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth, finishing a close second. He followed that with a solid third-place effort in the Blue Grass Stakes—a key prep featuring top-tier competition.
Trainer Todd Pletcher bypassed the Derby with River Thames, targeting the Preakness as a better fit. At 1 3/16 miles, the slightly shorter distance may suit his developing style and still-maturing frame. With a strong foundation and room to improve, River Thames is a legitimate sleeper who could make a big move in Baltimore.
Grande
Grande was poised for a big run in the Derby until a heel crack forced him to scratch the day before. It was a frustrating setback for a colt who had just finished second in the Wood Memorial behind Rodriguez, earning a 97 Beyer. If he recovers on time, he will enter the Preakness as a live contender. Pletcher is known for prepping horses to peak at the right time, and Grande’s running style, stalking and pouncing, fits the Preakness profile perfectly.
Pay Billy
One of the few confirmed runners for the Preakness, Pay Billy earned his invitation by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. A rugged and consistent performer, he has already made eight starts, more than most of his rivals, and brings a strong local connection to the Maryland racing circuit.
Trainer Mike Gorham is bullish on his colt’s chances. A recent workout at Delaware Park indicates that Pay Billy is training well and ready for another step up in class.
Crossing the Finish Line
The 2025 Preakness Stakes promises to be a thrilling showdown, filled with storylines ranging from redemption to potential greatness. Will Sovereignty pursue the Triple Crown? Can Rodriguez make a triumphant return? Is this the breakout moment for a rising star like Clever Again?
With final entries still pending and workouts ongoing, the puzzle is far from complete—but the pieces already on the table suggest this year’s Preakness could be one for the history books. Stay tuned as the field takes shape and Baltimore prepares to host one of the most iconic events in horse racing.
