When Nik Juarez rides AMERICAN PROMISE in the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, it will mark more than just another race—it’s a homecoming for the Maryland native, who grew up dreaming of such a moment.
“For me, I’m super-excited to ride the Preakness, to be home at Old Hilltop, Pimlico,” said Juarez, who hails from Westminster, Maryland. “Lots of good memories there. It’s another dream come true.”
The 31-year-old jockey, who began his career on the Maryland circuit before shifting to Florida, New Jersey, and most recently Arkansas, partnered with Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas at Oaklawn Park. That association led him to ride AMERICAN PROMISE in the Virginia Derby, where they won by a dominating 7¾ lengths, earning Juarez his first Kentucky Derby mount this year.
Despite finishing 16th in the Derby, Juarez believes AMERICAN PROMISE came out stronger. “There were many variables,” Juarez said. “But he showed us he has the speed and the size. He got a lot out of the race, and he’s still American Promise.”
The colt is currently walking at Churchill Downs and is scheduled to resume training Thursday as he builds toward the 1 3/16-mile Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.
Meanwhile, JOURNALISM, the Kentucky Derby runner-up and beaten favorite, returned to light training Wednesday at Churchill Downs. Trainer Michael McCarthy’s assistant, Justin Curran, noted, “He seemed happy. The rider is happy, and if the rider is happy, everybody else is happy.” Journalism’s Preakness status remains under consideration.
Also gearing up for a Preakness run is RIVER THAMES, trained by Todd Pletcher. Held out of the Derby to focus on Pimlico, the son of Maclean’s Music is showing strong form in training and is scheduled to breeze Saturday at Belmont.
“He’s doing well. He’s held his form and run well every time,” Pletcher said. “That tough beat in the Fountain of Youth looks even better now after Sovereignty’s Derby win.”
RIVER THAMES was second to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and finished third in the Blue Grass (G1), both times after covering extra ground. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount.
As the field shapes up, Preakness 150 is building into a compelling clash between seasoned contenders and fresh challengers—all under the historic Pimlico spotlight.
