Preakness Stakes Prediction, Betting Picks, and Latest Horse Racing Odds for Saturday at Pimlico Race Course
The Preakness Stakes will take center stage after a thrilling Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, this time at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland. Can Journalism bounce back after getting edged down the stretch in the Derby? He's the favorite again, and Matt MacKay breaks down why he's got a great chance to find a win.
Matt MacKay
| 5 min
Preakness Stakes Prediction, Betting Picks, and Latest Horse Racing Odds for Saturday at Pimlico Race Course
Nine thoroughbred runners will compete at the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland today. This dirt track is in good condition, making it a much different test than the muddy conditions runners faced at Churchill Downs during the 2025 Kentucky Derby two weeks ago.
Known as "The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown", the Preakness Stakes is the second race in the Triple Crown horse racing series. It follows the Kentucky Derby and precedes the Belmont Stakes.
Oddsmakers remain bullish on Journalism as the outright betting favorite at 8-5 odds, or +110 odds. Journalism was the favorite at the Kentucky Derby at +350 and wound up placing second, with Sovereignty mounting a late charge on the muddy track to win at 9-1 odds.
There's a wide gap between Journalism and the other eight runners who will take the starting gate for Race 13 at the 150th Preakness Stakes later today. Clever Again has the next shortest odds at +540, followed by Sandman at +700 odds. Heart of Honor is the biggest longshot at +2300 odds.
Matt MacKay has the latest Preakness Stakes odds, along with his prediction and best bet for Race 13 on Saturday evening. Follow Matt's X account for more analysis and free picks across most major sports betting markets.
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Preakness Stakes Odds
Horse | Odds | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|
Journalism | +120 | 45.5% |
Sandman | +500 | 16.7% |
Clever Again | +500 | 16.7% |
Goal Oriented | +700 | 12.5% |
River Thames | +900 | 10% |
American Promise | +1000 | 9.1% |
Pay Billy | +1100 | 8.3% |
Gosger | +1900 | 5% |
Heart of Honor | +2000 | 4.8% |
Click here for complete Preakness Stakes Odds
Preakness Stakes Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time: 7:01 PM ET
- Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock
Preakness Stakes Prediction Race 13
Journalism won four races in California. This included a Grade 1 victory at the Santa Anita Derby before making his debut out of state at the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Journalism still placed second despite running in muddy conditions at Churchill Downs. Today's forecast plays into Journalism's strengths, which outweigh every other runner in Race 13. This explains why Journalism is currently priced close to even odds.
Goal Oriented is gaining steam due to a 100 percent win rate with a jockey who boasts a 25 percent win rate. Won Race 3 at the Kentucky Derby in the mud, while previously winning Race 7 at Santa Anita on April 6th. Trainer Bob Baffert has eight Preakness wins throughout his career, so Goal Oriented is certainly an enticing pick at +780 odds.
Out of all the remaining longshots to consider backing at the Preakness Stakes, I've got my eye on American Promise at +1000 odds and River Thames at 9-2 odds (+970) in Race 13.
American Promise ran with Journalism in Race 12 at the Kentucky Derby, logging a disappointing 16th place finish out of 19 runners. However, American Promise has a lot of experience compared to today's field and dominated at Colonial Downs in mid-March. Also backed by last year's Preakness Stakes winning trainer.
River Thames is intriguing in this +900 through +1000 range at the Preakness Stakes. Won both starts at Gulfstream and finished third at a Grade 1 Keeneland race on April 8th. May be better to invest on River Thames in the Win-Place-Show market at +230 odds.
Ultimately, I'm backing the chalk again and investing in Journalism. A lot of bettors may be turned off by Journalism failing to win as the overwhelming favorite at the Kentucky Derby. Or, due to only two weeks of rest. There's simply no other runner in Race 13 that has the winning pedigree, power and speed that Journalism possesses. He's going up against a smaller field with dry conditions, so let's bet a unit on Journalism to cash as the outright favorite this time at the 150th Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes Betting Pick
- Best Bet: Journalism To Win (+110) Click here to see which racebook has the best Kentucky Derby odds
Horse Racing Odds
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