Preakness Stakes Predictions and Picks, May 17: Journalism (-110) Headlines Best Bets

Preakness odds are out for the second leg of the Triple Crown, where I’m sticking with Journalism following a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Check out my best horse racing bets for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday.

4 Preakness Stakes Picks

1. Journalism (-110)

My Kentucky Derby picks had Journalism winning, but I cashed with my second pick (Sovereignty) at +600 odds. However, despite Journalism running second in the Run for the Roses, he’s the best pick to win the Preakness Stakes.

It was only poor conditions that saw him suffer down the stretch, but his raw ability was enough to see him finish second. Horse racing odds have him at -110 for a reason, and he could win the final two legs of the Triple Crown.

I believe he’s the best 3-year-old in the country, and the best horse doesn’t always win the Derby. However, the best horse typically wins the Preakness Stakes and the conditions should be right up his alley.

Include Journalism in horse racing picks with confidence.

Bet this pick: Journalism (-110)

2. River Thames (+575)

Trainer Todd Pletcher lines up River Thames, who didn’t run in the Derby. The son of Maclean’s Music won his first two starts before placing behind Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.

That form has been franked, and he has since run third in the Blue Grass Stakes. It’s a good form guide for the Preakness Stakes, and according to horse racing news, he’s ready to fire with the break under his belt.

Not running in the Derby sees him run in a fresh state, and he could finish over the top of them at +575 odds.

Bet this pick: River Thames (+575)

3. Sandman (+625)

Sandman didn’t enjoy the wet conditions in the Derby, and although he finished seventh, bettors should expect a better effort on Saturday.

My Preakness Stakes prediction has him settling just off the speed and hoping they go quickly up front. His win in the Arkansas Derby is a good form guide, so he’s worth including in picks at the +625 odds.

The only worry is jockey Jose Ortiz opting to ride Clever Again, but I’m hoping he has made the wrong decision.

Bet this pick: Sandman (+625)

4. American Promise (+1400)

I’m including American Promise for a bit of value at +1400. He didn’t run well in the Derby, but I’m prepared to forgive that effort.

Some horses didn’t handle the conditions and he was one of them. He looked much better when winning the Virginia Derby, so that’s a better form guide for horse racing bets.

If they go quickly up front, look for America Promise to make a searching run.

Bet this pick: American Promise (+1400)

2025 Preakness Stakes How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Time: 7:01 pm ET
• 2025 Preakness Stakes Live Stream: Fubo TV
• Track: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
• Distance: 9.5 Furlongs (13/16 Miles)
• Prize Money: $2 million
• 2024 Winner: Seize the Grey

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.