As spring turns to summer, all eyes in horse racing shift to one of the sport’s biggest events, the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Held each May at Baltimore’s historic Pimlico Race Course, it’s more than just the second leg of the Triple Crown. It’s a true test where top three-year-old horses race for glory just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
The Preakness often decides whether the dream of a Triple Crown stays alive or ends. With its fast pace, tighter track, and roaring fans, the race is known for delivering unforgettable upsets, head-to-head battles, and breakout performances that leave a lasting mark on racing history.
As the 150th running of this legendary race approaches, the anticipation swells for a thrilling showdown on the track!
The Tradition and History of Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes traces its roots back to 1873, just two years before the Kentucky Derby. The race began as a one-mile-and-a-half contest. Over the decades, the distance has been shortened to its current 1 3/16 miles, but the race’s stature has only grown.
The Preakness has been a stage for some of the greatest legends in horse racing. From Secretariat’s jaw-dropping run in 1973, which set a still-debated track record, to American Pharoah and Justify charging toward Triple Crown immortality, the Preakness has repeatedly served as a pivotal moment in racing lore. It’s also known for its signature traditions—the painting of the weather vane, the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, and the festive atmosphere that bridges the formal with the fanatical.
Crucially, the Preakness often determines whether the Triple Crown remains in play. Winning the Derby is impressive, but securing the Preakness solidifies a horse’s legend and sets up Belmont Park as the final arena for potential immortality.
The 2025 Preakness Stakes Contenders
As the Preakness Stakes field begins to take shape following the Kentucky Derby, early favorites and dark horses alike are shifting the 2025 Preakness odds, hinting at a race filled with high stakes and potential surprises at Pimlico.
Journalism
Leading the charge is Journalism, a bay colt by Curlin out of Mopotism (by Uncle Mo), trained by Michael McCarthy. Journalism, a standout performer and likely favorite, stamped his credentials with a commanding victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. His race record of 3 wins and 1 placing from four starts and earnings of $338,880 showcase a rising star with both class and consistency.
What makes Journalism especially intriguing is his evolution in running style. Once a closing sprinter, he’s become a tactically versatile router capable of stalking or pressing the pace. His pedigree reflects this duality—combining Curlin’s stamina with Uncle Mo’s brilliance—while his professional demeanor and efficient stride point to more improvement ahead.
Journalism’s recent workouts at Santa Anita (notably back-to-back five-furlong breezes in 1:01.40) suggest he’s peaking at just the right moment. If he continues on this trajectory, Journalism may not only contend for the Preakness but could reignite a Triple Crown conversation.
Baeza
Trained by John Shirreffs, known for conditioning the legendary Zenyatta, Baeza has rocketed into contention with eye-catching performances despite his late start. He didn’t debut until December—and on turf—but has rapidly improved, breaking his maiden on February 14 with a strong 93 Beyer Speed Figure.
His real breakout, however, came in the Santa Anita Derby, where Journalism narrowly edged him out after an aggressive, wide run. Although Journalism won the race, many analysts believe Baeza may have actually run better. He made an early move, covered more ground, and still posted a strong 101 Beyer Speed Figure, the second-best among Kentucky Derby contenders.
Baeza keeps improving with every start and has a running style that fits the chaotic nature of the Derby and Preakness. His pedigree is impressive too: he’s a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Belmont/Haskell winner Dornoch. If Baeza can turn the tables on Journalism, he could be a serious contender on May 17.
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Cornucopian
From Bob Baffert’s barn comes the lightly raced but intriguing Cornucopian, who dazzled in his debut at Oaklawn Park before fading to fourth in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. In that race, he was part of a punishing early speed duel that saw the half-mile clocked in 45.21 seconds, compromising his finish.
Baffert remains optimistic, noting Cornucopian’s natural speed and mental sharpness, despite concerns he might become “speed-crazy” after such a taxing race. Instead of sending him to the Derby, Baffert has opted for a first-level allowance race, a tactical move that gives the colt an extra week to recover and prepare for a potential run in the Preakness. With Irad Ortiz Jr. slated to ride, Cornucopian could become a dangerous pace presence if the stars align.
Preparations and Expectations for Preakness 2025
With May 17th drawing near, preparations are in full swing at Pimlico Race Course. While there are no major changes in the race rules for 2025, some upgrades to the venue are expected, including improved grandstand seating and enhanced digital betting interfaces to streamline the on-site wagering experience.
Weather is always a wild card in Maryland during May. Early forecasts suggest mild temperatures with a chance of light rain, which could result in a fast but potentially muddy track. Horses with strong past performances on “off” tracks may get an edge if the conditions shift.
Beyond the race, the broader Preakness experience continues to evolve into a full-fledged cultural celebration. The week-long Preakness Festival is set to transform Maryland into a vibrant hub of entertainment, community, and culture, solidifying the Preakness’s status as the premier sporting and cultural event in the state. Notable events include the Annual George “Spider” Anderson Music and Arts Festival in Park Heights and the Magic of Maryland Music Celebration at Pier 6 Pavilion, which showcase local talent and community pride.
Leading into race weekend, Black-Eyed Susan Day on Friday offers the “ultimate girls’ day out” — a unique blend of horse racing, fashion, and female empowerment. Attendees can participate in seminars led by renowned female racing analysts or explore a curated collection of goods from woman-owned shops, boutiques, and businesses, adding a dynamic and inclusive dimension to race week.
Final Words
With the 2025 Preakness Stakes fast approaching, anticipation is building. Will a new star emerge? Can the Triple Crown dream survive? Pimlico’s historic track promises drama, with a field full of returning contenders, rising talents, and the ever-present wildcard—weather. Everything is in place for another memorable showdown.
In a sport where milliseconds matter and anything can change in the blink of an eye, the Preakness delivers suspense, history, and heart in equal measure.
