As the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes draws near, anticipation at Pimlico Race Course is mounting. With a talented field of contenders ready to compete for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, and many having showcased their skills earlier this season at tracks like Santa Anita, the stories behind the horses, jockeys, and trainers bring added intrigue to the event.
Italian-born jockey Umberto Rispoli is back aboard Journalism, the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s race. Their partnership has been a consistent one, marked by a string of victories and a strong second-place effort in the Kentucky Derby. Rispoli, reflecting on his journey, noted that it took him two decades in the sport to find a horse with such an intuitive racing mind. The bond between them is evident, and he believes Journalism has a natural knack for the track—a quality that could prove decisive in a high-pressure environment like the Preakness.
Meanwhile, Jose Ortiz is looking to add a second Preakness win to his résumé, this time with Clever Again, a lightly raced colt with impeccable credentials. The son of American Pharoah is coming off a pair of front-running wins, including a dominant performance in the Hot Springs Stakes. Ortiz, confident in the horse’s temperament and flexibility, is optimistic about their chances, especially with a favorable post position that allows for tactical versatility. He’s preparing to adapt depending on how the race unfolds, with the primary focus being a clean break and a comfortable early position.
Saffie Osborne, making her U.S. racing debut, has already made an impression with her poised demeanor and global experience. Riding Heart of Honor, she is not only representing European interests but also sharing a unique father-daughter dynamic with trainer Jamie Osborne. Despite being new to American racing, she’s no stranger to adapting quickly, having already competed in ten different countries. Her mount, a British-bred colt with a strong dirt track record in Dubai, brings an intriguing international flair to the field. Osborne has done her homework and received some concise advice from Triple Crown-winning jockey Steve Cauthen, who emphasized the simplicity of the Pimlico layout compared to the undulating tracks in the UK.
Trainer Mark Casse faced a tough call after a disappointing Derby result with Sandman. Choosing not to delay jockey Jose Ortiz’s opportunity to commit elsewhere, Casse graciously released him and later secured Hall of Famer John Velazquez for the Preakness ride. Velazquez brings a wealth of experience and a successful past partnership with Casse, which makes for a seamless transition. Despite Sandman’s lackluster Derby performance, Casse believes his colt has more to offer and hopes the Preakness reveals his true capabilities.
Another strong contender, River Thames, continued his preparations with a steady gallop on Friday. After an impressive start to his career and a narrow defeat to Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, he remains a top threat. If successful, River Thames would deliver trainer Todd Pletcher a career milestone: a win in each of the three Triple Crown races. Irad Ortiz Jr., who knows the colt well, retains the mount and brings his sharp race sense to the table.
Bob Baffert, no stranger to the spotlight, enters the Preakness with Goal Oriented—a relatively inexperienced runner but one with ample promise. Despite only two starts, the colt has shown natural talent and composure, attributes Baffert values highly. With trusted assistant Mike Marlow monitoring the colt’s early development, the team has every reason to believe this young runner can step up under the pressure of elite competition. Goal Oriented’s rail draw presents both a challenge and an opportunity, and jockey Flavien Prat will be tasked with guiding the colt through the early stages of what will likely be a fast-paced contest.
As the field prepares for the historic milestone of Preakness 150, the narratives surrounding each contender add layers of depth to the competition. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, this year’s race promises to deliver not only a thrilling sporting spectacle but also a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of horse racing.
