The Road to Triple Crown Glory: How Preakness 2025 Shapes the Championship 

The Triple Crown is one of the most outstanding achievements in horse racing, with the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes forming the ultimate test for any horse. Each year, the Preakness Stakes plays a key role in determining who will remain in the hunt for the Triple Crown, but it also stands on its own as an important race for the championship. 

As the 2025 Preakness approaches, the excitement around the event continues to build. Who will become the favorite, and which horses will surprise us? With the race just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, it’s a critical moment for contenders to show their strength and resilience.  

The outcome of the Preakness will have significant implications for the rest of the season, as it often sets the stage for the Belmont Stakes and shapes the broader championship race. 

Kentucky Derby Winner  Skips Preakness 2025 

When Sovereignty triumphed in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, there was immediate excitement around the possibility of a Triple Crown winner. Yet, only days later, Bill Mott, the Hall of Fame trainer, made a surprising announcement that would derail that possibility. Sovereignty would not race in the Preakness; instead, Mott focused on the Belmont Stakes, set for June 7.  

For many casual fans, this decision may feel like a blow to the excitement of the Triple Crown chase. After all, the Derby and Preakness are natural pairings for many people, and pursuing the Triple Crown often makes the sport more accessible.  

But for Mott, the decision was clear: Sovereignty’s health and future success were the top priority. Racing a horse in three of the most grueling events in such a short period can be detrimental, and Mott knew that skipping the Preakness was the best way to ensure the longevity of his champion. 

Impact of Sovereignty’s Absence on the Championship Race 

The race will feel different without a Triple Crown contender in the 2025 Preakness, but that doesn’t diminish its importance. The Preakness remains a critical event in the championship race, offering other rising stars the opportunity to showcase their talent and establish themselves as leaders of the season.  

Without Sovereignty, the stage is set for some exciting competition and unexpected outcomes. 

Here are the key contenders for the 2025 Preakness Stakes: 

• Journalism (5-2). Trained by Michael W. McCarthy, Journalism was a strong Derby favorite and finished second. With no Triple Crown on the line, he’s now the favorite for the Preakness and looks like one of the top horses of the year. If you’re considering betting on this promising colt, check out the latest odds and betting opportunities on FanDuel site or similar online sports betting platforms. 

• Rodriguez (5-1). After pulling out of the Derby due to injury, Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, is ready for a strong showing. With a solid record of wins and top finishes, he’s a popular pick for the Preakness. 

• Sandman (8-1). Trained by Mark E. Casse, Sandman has had a mixed season but showed good form before the Derby, earning first and second-place finishes. After a seventh-place finish in the Derby, he’ll look to bounce back at the Preakness. 

• River Thames (12-1). River Thames, trained by Todd Pletcher, has been solid with wins and a second-place finish in the Fountain of Youth. While his third-place finish behind Derby horses raised some doubts, he could surprise in the Preakness. 

• Clever Again (12-1). After returning from a long break, Clever Again, trained by Steven Asmussen, has won his last two races. Though he hasn’t faced top competition yet, his recent form makes him one to watch. 

• American Promise (20-1). The most experienced horse in the field with 10 races, American Promise comes in with a win at the Virginia Derby. While his record isn’t stellar, he could perform well at the Preakness. 

• Gosger (20-1). Gosger is a rising horse with two wins in three races, including a victory in the Grade 3 Lexington. He’s an underdog but has the potential to surprise at the Preakness. 

• Pay Billy (30-1). Pay Billy has won five of his last six races, despite his limited experience. He’s a big underdog, but could be a fun longshot for bettors. 

• Heart of Honor (30-1). This foreign horse has one win and several second-place finishes, including a strong showing in the UAE Derby. Heart of Honor could be a popular longshot pick at Pimlico. 

• Caldera (30-1). With a few second-place finishes and one win, Caldera’s form has been inconsistent. He’s a longshot, especially after finishing eighth in the Louisiana Derby. 

The Triple Crown Conundrum 

The decision to skip the Preakness highlights a larger issue in the sport: the challenging timing of the Triple Crown races. The two-week gap between the Derby and Preakness, and another three weeks until the Belmont, is a grueling schedule, especially for horses who may not have raced often leading up to the Kentucky Derby. 

Historically, the Triple Crown calendar was structured differently. Horses like Citation in 1948 and Secretariat in 1973 could easily run between these events. However, today’s horses are bred and trained differently. They’re not necessarily as resilient as the stars of yesteryear, and the modern racing calendar may not be conducive to their optimal performance. 

The issue has sparked a debate about whether the Triple Crown races should be spaced further apart to accommodate the physical demands placed on horses. In 2023, Aidan Butler, the then-CEO of 1/ST Racing, proposed moving the Preakness to four weeks after the Derby. This would give horses more time to recover. However, the proposal was met with resistance from the Belmont and Preakness organisers and television networks tied to the event’s broadcast schedules. 

For now, this issue remains unresolved, and the decision to skip Preakness 2025 underscores the challenges of balancing tradition with the welfare of the horses. 

Looking Beyond the Triple Crown 

The 2025 Preakness will be a pivotal race, not just for the horses vying for the win, but for the entire trajectory of the season. This race will likely shape the championship conversation, highlight the horses who can handle pressure, and set the tone for the rest of the Triple Crown and beyond.  

With such a competitive field, it’s clear that the Preakness will continue to be crucial in determining the year’s top contenders and pushing the sport forward into an exciting future. Even without the allure of a Triple Crown on the line, the 2025 season promises to deliver thrilling moments, unexpected victories, and the emergence of new legends in horse racing.