The 150th Preakness Stakes takes place Saturday, May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This race is the second leg of the Triple Crown. Post time is 7:01 p.m. ET and the purse is $2 million.
The field includes nine 3-year-old horses. Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism is the favorite at 8-5. Sovereignty, the Derby winner, is not racing here. Sandman, Clever Again, and River Thames are the top challengers. Check out the full race at WagerHome.com and become a PPH bookie today.
Journalism Preview – Looking for Redemption at Pimlico
Journalism is trained by Michael McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli will ride. He has four wins and one second in six starts. He finished second in the Kentucky Derby and ran a 108 Beyer Speed Figure earlier this year.
He draws the No. 2 post and should break well. He usually sits just off the pace and makes his move late. He’s the top choice on the morning line and could win if he repeats his Derby run.
McCarthy has won the Preakness before. If Journalism runs his best, he will be tough to beat. But no Derby runner has won the Preakness in five years.
Clever Again Preview – Asmussen’s Fast Starter Could Surprise
Clever Again is trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz. He won the Hot Springs Stakes last month with a 101 Beyer. He has two wins and one second in three races.
The horse was a $500,000 yearling purchase and is sired by American Pharoah. He has great early speed and drew post 8. Asmussen has won the Preakness twice and knows how to prepare a horse for this race.
Clever Again may try to go wire to wire. If he gets out front and controls the pace, he could be the one they all chase home.
Sandman Preview – Late Closer Tries to Regain Form
Sandman is trained by Mark Casse and ridden by John Velazquez. He won the Arkansas Derby but was seventh in the Kentucky Derby. His best Beyer is 99 and he has earned over $1.2 million in nine starts.
He starts from post 7 and will likely sit in the back early. If there’s a speed duel up front, Sandman could be flying late. He needs a strong pace to help his closing kick.
Sandman is a fan favorite. His connections hope for a rebound effort after the Derby. He’s one of the top betting choices at 4-1.
River Thames Preview – Fresh Horse Could Be Dangerous
River Thames did not run in the Kentucky Derby. He is trained by Todd Pletcher and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. The colt finished third in the Blue Grass Stakes and second in the Fountain of Youth.
He has two wins in four starts and drew post 6. Pletcher has never won the Preakness, but River Thames gives him a strong shot. This horse is rested and ready.
River Thames has tactical speed and could sit mid-pack. If the top horses tire, he could get the jump on the closers. He is listed at 9-2.
Goal Oriented Preview – Baffert’s Colt Could Make a Leap
Goal Oriented is trained by Bob Baffert, who has won the Preakness a record eight times. This colt has raced twice and won both. He draws the rail in post 1 and will be ridden by Flavien Prat.
He’s inexperienced but talented. He earned a 91 Beyer and is stepping up in class. If he breaks well and settles, he could be in the mix late.
Baffert knows how to get horses ready for this race. Goal Oriented is the unknown factor here. He’s listed at 6-1 and could be a surprise.
Other Contenders – Longshots and Local Hopefuls
American Promise is trained by D. Wayne Lukas and drew post 3. He finished 16th in the Derby but won the Virginia Derby earlier this year. He’s a longshot at 15-1.
Heart of Honor, from post 4, finished second in the UAE Derby. He’s a consistent runner with four seconds in six starts. He is listed at 12-1.
Pay Billy won the Federico Tesio Stakes and runs from post 5. He’s a Maryland-based horse and will have local support. He’s listed at 20-1 and will need a career-best to hit the board.
Gosger is a lightly raced longshot breaking from post 9. He won the Lexington Stakes and has two wins in three starts. He’s another that could be closing late if the pace is hot.
PPH Betting Prediction
Journalism is the best horse on paper, but recent Preakness trends show horses skipping the Derby have the edge. Clever Again has strong early speed, a good trainer, and a top Beyer. If he gets a clean break, he can go gate to wire.
River Thames and Sandman are threats if the pace is strong. Goal Oriented is the wild card with upside. The predicted finish is Clever Again first, Journalism second, and River Thames third. Get your bets in at WagerHome.com and start your own sportsbook with full PPH services.
Pick: Clever Again (5-1)
