New York Mets
Who Will Win 150th Preakness Stakes? Not Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty!
- My top Preakness prediction is Rodriguez (+325) to win wire-to-wire.
- With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty out, River Thames (+925) offers value.
- Make bank with our 150th Preakness picks! Join with our promo code HUDDLE125.
The connections of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty decided not to run in the 150th Preakness Stakes as trainer Bill Mott told the media “we want to do what’s best for the horse.’’ Journalism, second in the Derby, will inherit the favorite’s role – provided he competes. Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, could be the one that makes the most Preakness news on May 17 with a wire-to-wire victory.
2 Early Picks for Preakness Stakes
1. Rodriguez (+325) Running Style Fits at Pimlico
Rodriguez looked good in winning the Wood Memorial on April 5 in wire-to-wire fashion. He was scratched from the Kentucky Derby reportedly because of a foot bruise, so he’ll be well-rested with six weeks between starts. With a maximum field of 14 runners in the Preakness, there will be far less chaos than in the 20-horse Derby.
This bodes well for speed horses because they won’t have to go as fast early to make the lead or secure a good position. Horse racing predictions are easier to make with a strong speed horse controlling the race. Rodriguez fits the bill, and it doesn’t hurt to have Baffert in his corner. Baffert owns a record eight Preakness victories.
Bet on Rodriguez (+325) to win the Preakness Stakes
Sovereignty Will Wait for Belmont Stakes
American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018) made horse racing news by winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes to become the 12th and 13th Triple Crown champions. Sovereignty was the only one who could join the list – until Mott’s announcement. Sovereignty will be back for the Belmont on June 7.
2. Journalism, River Thames (+925) Could Be Factors
Journalism (+325), second as the +342 favorite in the Kentucky Derby horse racing odds, is still under consideration to run in the Preakness. Trainer Michael McCarthy is expected to make the decision soon. Journalism, while closer to the pace than Sovereignty in the Derby, could have too much ground to make up in the Preakness.
Trainer Todd Pletcher didn’t have a Kentucky Derby runner for the first time since 2003, but will send out River Thames (+925) in the Preakness. River Thames qualified for the Derby, but Pletcher said the horse needed more rest following a third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 8.
River Thames should be forwardly placed early, and could be the main danger if Rodriguez cannot go all the way.
Bet on River Thames (+925) to win the Preakness Stakes
150th Preakness How to Watch
- Race: 150th Preakness Stakes
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, TBD
- Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Md.
- 150th Preakness Stakes Live Stream: Fubo.tv
Get the latest Preakness odds here.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets
Questions Of The Day
When and where is the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
The 150th Preakness Stakes is Saturday, May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md.
Who won the 2024 Preakness Stakes?
Seize the Grey, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, won the 2024 Preakness Stakes.
