As the countdown continues toward the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, anticipation is building around which contenders will officially line up for the second jewel of the Triple Crown on May 17. Among the horses still under careful consideration is Journalism, the runner-up in the recent Kentucky Derby. His connections are in no rush to make a decision, choosing instead to monitor the colt’s condition and progress before finalizing plans. Having returned to the track and resumed training, Journalism remains a possibility for the Preakness, with his team emphasizing that the welfare of the horse will dictate their final call.
Owned by a prominent group of partners and trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism impressed in the Derby despite a challenging start, eventually mounting a strong bid before finishing just behind the winner. As the son of Curlin, there is a sense of historical symmetry in potentially targeting the Preakness—Curlin himself rebounded from a Derby defeat to capture the Preakness in 2007. The breeding rights to Journalism have also drawn significant attention, having been acquired by major international players, signaling the colt’s long-term value beyond the racetrack.
Meanwhile, trainer Bob Baffert is set to bring firepower of his own to Baltimore, with undefeated Goal Oriented confirmed for the race. The lightly raced colt broke his maiden in April and quickly followed up with another strong performance in allowance company. With a powerful ownership group behind him and a solid foundation from his debut wins, Goal Oriented represents a promising addition to the field. Baffert, who already holds the record for most Preakness wins, could further extend his dominance this year.
Joining Goal Oriented under Baffert’s care is Rodriguez, a proven performer who took the Wood Memorial earlier this season. Rodriguez is scheduled to continue his preparations at Churchill Downs before heading to Pimlico. His name, inspired in part by his groom and the subject of a well-known documentary, adds a personal touch to his journey to one of racing’s biggest stages.
Also targeting the Preakness is Gosger, trained by Brendan Walsh. The colt is gaining momentum after back-to-back wins, including a solid performance in the Lexington Stakes. With top jockey Luis Saez booked for the ride, hopes are high for a breakthrough performance. Saez has come close to Preakness glory before and will be looking to finally capture the elusive win.
American Promise is another Derby alum eyeing redemption in Baltimore. Though he finished well off the board at Churchill Downs, his team believes the colt was hampered by poor racing luck and is optimistic about his chances at Pimlico. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a legendary figure in the sport, is taking a low-key approach to training in the lead-up to the race, favoring light activity to keep the horse fresh.
Pay Billy is also Preakness-bound after a sharp workout at Delaware Park. The Federico Tesio Stakes winner continues to impress his team, and his trainer Mike Gorham expressed confidence following a strong gallop. With regular jockey Raul Mena set to ride again, Pay Billy is on target for a Tuesday arrival at Pimlico. Gorham may also bring additional runners for stakes races on the Preakness undercard, including a filly for the Black-Eyed Susan and a colt for the Chick Lang.
Among others preparing for the Preakness, Clever Again and River Thames remain on track for their starts. Both have resumed light training and are slated for upcoming workouts. Their connections are closely managing their progress with the goal of having them in peak condition for race day.
With so many contenders still under consideration and final entries looming, the Preakness field continues to take shape. Each horse brings a unique backstory and a team hopeful for glory on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages. As preparations intensify, fans and industry insiders alike await the final declarations that will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Preakness Stakes.
