As final preparations intensify at Pimlico Race Course, the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes (G1) promises a riveting clash on Saturday, with Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism installed as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Trainer Michael McCarthy and co-owner Aron Wellman confirmed the colt’s readiness after extensive evaluation post-Derby, drawing confidence from his energy, appetite, and mental sharpness. Journalism will break from Post 2 in a competitive nine-horse field.
Finishing just behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism showed grit after overcoming traffic issues and is now poised for redemption in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. “We’ve got total conviction this is the right move,” said Wellman. “He’s giving us all the right signs.”
Among the top challengers is Sandman, trained by Mark Casse, who shipped in from Louisville and is reported to be settling well into his new surroundings. Drawn in Post 7 and priced at 4-1, the Arkansas Derby winner has Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the irons for the first time. Assistant trainer Shane Tripp noted the colt is relaxed, holding weight well, and expected to rest before ramping up his routine.
River Thames, conditioned by Todd Pletcher, skipped the Derby in favor of a focused Preakness campaign. The colt turned in a strong breeze at Belmont and is 9-2 on the morning line. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the mount, and the son of Maclean’s Music will ship in Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Clever Again, trained by Steve Asmussen, breaks from Post 8—his first start away from Post 3—and comes into the Preakness undefeated in two starts this season. Asmussen welcomed the draw and noted the outside slot provides strategic flexibility for jockey Jose Ortiz, especially with Journalism starting two gates inside.
Trainer Bob Baffert, aiming for a record-extending ninth Preakness victory, sends out Goal Oriented, who enters off back-to-back wins in his first two career starts. Despite limited experience, Baffert believes in the colt’s potential and progression. Flavien Prat retains the ride from the rail draw.
Europe’s hopes rest on Heart of Honor, trained by Jamie Osborne and ridden by his daughter Saffie Osborne, aiming to become the first European-based Preakness winner. After a runner-up finish in the UAE Derby, the colt has acclimated at Pimlico following quarantine. Though a wet track is new for the Dubai campaigner, his connections remain cautiously optimistic.
D. Wayne Lukas, a seven-time Preakness winner, saddles American Promise, a massive Justify colt who endured a troubled trip in the Derby. Drawing Post 3, Lukas is upbeat about his form this week and believes the Preakness distance and smaller field may suit him better.
Rounding out the field is Gosger, the Lexington Stakes winner, who arrived Tuesday and will make just his fourth start under Luis Saez from the outside Post 9. Longshot Pay Billy, trained by Mike Gorham, enters off wins in the Federico Tesio and Private Terms Stakes and represents the first Triple Crown runner for both trainer and jockey Raul Mena.
With contenders arriving, acclimating, and training steadily, the build-up to the 150th Preakness Stakes is hitting full stride. Each runner brings a unique narrative to the starting gate—but only one will etch their name into history this Saturday at Pimlico.
