SportsHorse Racing
2026 Belmont Stakes: Post Positions, Contenders, and Fair Odds
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SportsHorse Racing
Preakness Stakes 2025: Key Horses, Odds, and Viewing Guide
about 1 year agoUS
The 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore promises excitement, even with Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty sitting this one out. This opens the door for other contenders to shine. Here’s what you need to know about the race, key horses, and how to watch.
Key Insights
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The 2025 Preakness Stakes takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
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Post time is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET, and the race will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
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Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not be running, impacting the potential for a Triple Crown winner this year. Why this matters: Sovereignty's absence changes the dynamics of the race, giving other horses a better chance at victory and affecting viewership.
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Top contenders include Journalism (8-5 odds), Sandman (4-1), River Thames (9/2), and Clever Again (5-1).
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Trainer Bob Baffert has a record eight Preakness wins, while D. Wayne Lukas has seven, adding a historic rivalry to the event.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, traditionally held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. This year, the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty has led to discussions about horse rest and the Triple Crown schedule.
Key Contenders
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Journalism:: Coming off a second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism is the favorite. Jockey Umberto Rispoli and trainer Michael W. McCarthy aim to secure their first Triple Crown race win.
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Sandman:: After a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Sandman, with jockey John Velazquez, seeks redemption.
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River Thames:: Trained by Todd A. Pletcher, River Thames finished second to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
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Clever Again:: With two wins in three starts, Clever Again looks to capitalize on its promising career.
Impact of Sovereignty's Absence
Sovereignty's decision to skip the Preakness to rest for the Belmont Stakes highlights a growing trend of “load management” in horse racing. This decision affects viewership and advertising, as the presence of a potential Triple Crown winner typically boosts interest. NBC viewership numbers have historically dipped when the Derby winner doesn't compete in the Preakness.
Scheduling Debate
The current Triple Crown schedule, with three races in five weeks, has been criticized for not allowing horses enough recovery time. Some advocate for extending the time between races to ensure the best horses can compete in all three events, potentially increasing the prestige and viewership of the Triple Crown.
FAQs
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Q: Why is Sovereignty not running in the Preakness Stakes?
Sovereignty's trainer, Bill Mott, wants to give the horse more rest in preparation for the Belmont Stakes.
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Q: How can I watch the Preakness Stakes?
The race will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
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Q: What time is the Preakness Stakes?
The post time is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Key Takeaways
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The absence of Sovereignty impacts the dynamics of the race, providing an opportunity for other horses.
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Key contenders like Journalism, Sandman, and River Thames are worth watching.
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The debate over the Triple Crown schedule continues, with potential changes to give horses more rest.
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Tune in to NBC or stream on Peacock to catch the 150th Preakness Stakes live.
Discussion
Do you think the Triple Crown schedule should be adjusted to allow for more horse recovery time? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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