In a significant development on the road to the 2025 Triple Crown, RKTN Racing’s promising 3-year-old colt PAY BILLY has been confirmed for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes (Grade 1), scheduled for May 17 at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. The Mike Gorham-trained runner earned an automatic berth into the $2 million Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown by capturing the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park on April 19.
The Federico Tesio Stakes, named in honor of the legendary Italian breeder and trainer, has served as a “win-and-you’re-in” qualifier for the Preakness for the last ten years. PAY BILLY’s victory now propels him into elite company, following in the hoofprints of 23 previous Tesio runners who advanced to the Preakness, including 1983 dual winner Deputed Testamony.
“He’s a go for us,” trainer Mike Gorham confirmed. “The Tesio got us in with fees paid, so now at least we’ve got a shot.”
PAY BILLY has shown marked improvement since turning three. After narrowly missing the Miracle Wood Stakes by a nose in February, he rebounded with commanding victories in both the Private Terms Stakes and the Federico Tesio, winning by a combined five lengths over two turns. The 1 3/16-mile Preakness will be the longest race of his career.
“He turned a corner when he turned 3,” Gorham said. “He wasn’t focused as a 2-year-old, but we always believed in his stamina and talent.”
The colt, a son of 2019 Preakness sixth-place finisher Improbable, spent the winter training at Laurel Park and recently moved to Delaware Park with Gorham’s stable. His final workouts will be completed there before shipping to Pimlico for race week.
PAY BILLY represents a major milestone for both Gorham and the ownership group, led by first-time horse owner Nate Nelson, a Minneapolis-based lawyer. “This is their first horse, so they’re getting a great introduction,” Gorham said. “It’s like a home game for us. Everyone wants to be in a Triple Crown race.”
The Preakness field is expected to include several high-profile contenders such as the Kentucky Derby winner, LEXINGTON Stakes top two Gosger and Bracket Buster, Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez, stakes performer Built, and UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor.
As anticipation builds toward Preakness 150, PAY BILLY is emerging as a new name to watch on the Triple Crown trail.
