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With the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes serving as the ultimate test for any horse, the Triple Crown is one of the most remarkable accomplishments in horse racing. In addition to being a crucial race for the title, the Preakness Stakes is a major factor in deciding who will continue to compete for the Triple Crown each year.
As the 2025 Preakness approaches, anticipation for the event continues to grow. Which horses will surprise us, and who will emerge as the favorite? Competitors must demonstrate their fortitude and resiliency because the event takes place just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
Given that the Preakness frequently establishes the Belmont Stakes and influences the larger championship race, the result will have a big impact on the remainder of the season.
Kentucky Derby Winner Skips Preakness 2025
When Sovereignty triumphed in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, there was immediate excitement around the possibility of a Triple Crown winner. Yet, only days later, Bill Mott, the Hall of Fame trainer, made a surprising announcement that would derail that possibility. Sovereignty would not race in the Preakness; instead, Mott focused on the Belmont Stakes, set for June 7.
This can seem like a setback to the thrill of the Triple Crown chase to a lot of casual fans. After all, many individuals find that the Derby and Preakness go hand in hand, and chasing the Triple Crown frequently makes the sport more approachable.
For Mott, however, the choice was obvious: Sovereignty’s well-being and future prosperity came first. It can be harmful to race a horse in three of the hardest races in a short amount of time, and Mott recognized that the best way to prolong his champion’s life was to forego the Preakness.
Impact of Sovereignty’s Absence on the Championship Race
The 2025 Preakness will seem different without a Triple Crown candidate, but that doesn’t lessen the significance of the race. In the championship race, the Preakness is still a crucial event that gives other up-and-coming talents a chance to show off their skills and take the lead.
The scene is set for some thrilling competition and surprising results in the absence of sovereignty.
The main candidates for the 2025 Preakness Stakes are as follows:
- Reporting (5-2). Journalism, trained by Michael W. McCarthy, finished second and was a heavy favorite for the Derby. Now that there is no Triple Crown at stake, he is the Preakness favorite and appears to be among the year’s best horses. Check out the most recent odds and betting options on the FanDuel website or other comparable online sports betting platforms if you’re thinking about placing a wager on this talented colt.
- Rodriguez (5-1). Rodriguez, who Bob Baffert trains, is prepared for a big performance after withdrawing from the Derby due to injury. He is a well-liked Preakness choice due to his strong winning record and high finishes.
- Sandman (8-1). Despite having a difficult season, Sandman, who is trained by Mark E. Casse, had strong form before the Derby, placing first and second. He will try to recover at the Preakness after finishing eighth in the Derby.
- Thames River (12-1). With victories and a second-place result in the Fountain of Youth, River Thames, trained by Todd Pletcher, has proved reliable. Although he raised some questions with his third-place finish behind Derby runners, he might surprise in the Preakness.
- Again, Clever (12-1). Clever Again, trained by Steven Asimakis, has won his previous two races since coming back from a lengthy hiatus. His recent performance makes him someone to keep an eye on, even though he hasn’t yet met elite opposition.
- The Promise of America (20-1). American Promise, the field’s most seasoned horse with ten victories under his belt, wins the Virginia Derby. Despite his lackluster record, he has the potential to do well at the Preakness.
- Gosger (20-1). With two victories in three races, including a Grade 3 Lexington victory, Gosger is a promising horse. Despite being the underdog, he could surprise at the Preakness.
- Give Billy 30-1. Despite his inexperience, Pay Billy has won five of his last six races. Although he is a huge underdog, bettors may find him to be an entertaining longshot.
- Honorable Heart (30-1). Including a good performance in the UAE Derby, this international horse has one victory and multiple second-place finishes. At Pimlico, Heart of Honor might be a well-liked longshot selection.
- Caldera (30-1). Caldera’s performance has been patchy, with one victory and several second-place finishes. Considering that he placed eighth in the Louisiana Derby, he is a longshot.
The Triple Crown Conundrum
The difficult timing of the Triple Crown races is a bigger problem in the sport, which is shown by the decision to skip the Preakness. For horses who might not have raced frequently before the Kentucky Derby, the two-week interval between the Derby and Preakness and the additional three weeks before the Belmont is a taxing schedule.
The Triple Crown calendar had a different format in the past. Between these events, horses like Citation (1948) and Secretariat (1973) might easily race. But the horses of today are bred and trained differently. The current racing schedule might not support their best performance, and they might not be as resilient as the stars of the past.
The question of whether the Triple Crown races ought to be held farther apart in order to account for the physical demands made on horses has been raised by the problem. Then-CEO of 1/ST Racing, Aidan Butle, suggested in 2023 that the Preakness be moved to four weeks following the Derby. Horses would have more time to heal as a result. Nevertheless, television networks connected to the Belmont and Preakness broadcast schedules and the event’s organizers opposed the plan.
This matter has not yet been settled, and the choice to forego Preakness 2025 highlights the difficulties in striking a balance between custom and the well-being of the horses.
Looking Beyond the Triple Crown
The 2025 Preakness will be a crucial race for the season’s overall trajectory as well as the horses competing for the title. The tone for the remainder of the Triple Crown and beyond will probably be established by this race, which will also spotlight the horses that can handle pressure and influence the championship discourse.
Given the level of competition, it is certain that the Preakness will remain essential in identifying the year’s leading candidates and advancing the sport into an exciting future. The 2025 season is predicted to bring exciting moments, surprising triumphs, and the rise of new horse racing heroes, even without the lure of a Triple Crown on the line.
