The 150th Preakness Stakes, set for today, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, is generating buzz with its nine-horse field and no Triple Crown on the line. Preakness odds are shifting as bettors weigh their options, with Journalism emerging as the 8-5 morning-line favorite after a strong second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. The absence of Derby winner Sovereignty, who’s skipping the race to rest for the Belmont Stakes, has opened the door for a competitive showdown. As I write, real-time updates from sources like CBS Sports and FOX Sports confirm the excitement, with sharps backing Clever Again at 5-1 odds. Let’s dive into the latest news, key contenders, and betting insights to keep you hooked for this historic race.
Preakness Odds: Journalism Leads, But Longshots Lurk
Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, is the horse to beat. Its 8-5 odds reflect confidence after a near-miss at Churchill Downs. However, posts on X from @PatrickE_Vegas highlight expert Ed DeRosa’s take: “I’d gladly bet him at 6/5, let alone 8/5.” Sandman, at 4-1, is another contender drawing attention. Trained by Mark Casse, Sandman finished seventh in the Derby but boasts a 2025 Arkansas Derby win. Meanwhile, Clever Again, starting from the No. 8 gate, has sharps buzzing, with FOX Sports reporting heavy backing due to its 101 Beyer Speed Figure from the Hot Springs Stakes. The trend of longshots winning—two of the last four Preakness victors had odds over 10-1—suggests bettors shouldn’t sleep on horses like Pay Billy or Gosger, both at 20-1.
| Horse | Post Position | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 2 | 8-5 | Michael McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli |
| Sandman | 6 | 4-1 | Mark E. Casse | Flavien Prat |
| Clever Again | 8 | 5-1 | Bob Baffert | Juan Hernandez |
| River Thames | 7 | 9-2 | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione |
| Pay Billy | 5 | 20-1 | Michael Gorham | Raul Mena |
Why Preakness Odds Matter This Year
The 2025 Preakness feels different. Only three Derby runners—Journalism, Sandman, and American Promise (15-1)—are in the field, making it a fresh race. CBS Baltimore notes that Sovereignty’s absence, the second time in four years a Derby winner has skipped Pimlico, raises questions about the Preakness’s future. Yet, the race’s history of rewarding “new shooters” who bypassed the Derby keeps it intriguing. River Thames, at 9-2, is a prime example, with a strong third in the Blue Grass Stakes. Weather could play a role too—AccuWeather predicts possible rain, which could favor mud-savvy horses like Goal Oriented. Bettors are also eyeing trainers like Bob Baffert, who’s chasing a ninth Preakness win with Goal Oriented at 6-1.
Preakness Odds: Betting Strategies to Watch
How should you approach betting? Experts like Jared DeRossett on X suggest fading Journalism due to its short odds, especially since favorites have lost the last six Preakness races. Instead, consider value plays like Clever Again or River Thames, whose freshness could pay off. The Washington Post warns that Journalism’s 8-5 odds require a big bet for a modest return, pushing bettors toward exotic wagers like exactas or trifectas. Platforms like FanDuel Racing and TwinSpires are offering no-sweat bets, as noted by @FanDuelTV on X, making it a great time to take a calculated risk. Pay Billy, a local favorite with back-to-back prep wins, could be a sentimental pick for Maryland fans.
The Bigger Picture at Pimlico
Beyond the odds, the 150th Preakness is a celebration of tradition. NBC’s coverage starts at 4 p.m. ET, with the race set for 7:01 p.m. on Peacock. The purse, reportedly $2 million last year, underscores the stakes. Yet, as The Athletic points out, Sovereignty’s absence highlights a broader debate about the Triple Crown’s grueling schedule. Will Pimlico adapt, perhaps by moving the race later? For now, the focus is on the horses, the jockeys, and the fans who’ll pack the stands or watch from home, hoping for a thrilling finish.
Ready to join the excitement? Check out the latest Preakness odds on FanDuel Racing or TwinSpires, place your bets, and tune into NBC or Peacock at 7:01 p.m. ET to see who claims the 150th Preakness Stakes title. Share your picks in the comments or on X—let’s see who’s got the winning horse!