150th Preakness Stirs Excitement with Unique Field and Surprising Absences - (2025)

Updated: 13/06/2025

The 150th running of the Preakness has stirred excitement and anticipation among horse racing enthusiasts, despite the absence of a Triple Crown contender this year. Margie's Intention emerged victorious in the Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the upcoming Preakness race. With notable Kentucky Derby horses like Journalism, American Promise, and Sandman in the lineup, the field is primed for a competitive and riveting event.

As the racing world gears up for the Preakness, the decision of trainer Bill Mott to bypass the race with Sovereignty, opting instead for the Belmont, has fueled speculation and added an air of unpredictability to the proceedings. The absence of a potential Triple Crown bid and the limited participation of Derby runners create a unique dynamic for this year's Preakness, promising a wide-open field and a host of intriguing storylines.

This year's Preakness field features only three horses that contested the Kentucky Derby, namely Journalism, American Promise, and Sandman. While the absence of more Derby contenders may be unusual, it presents an opportunity for new challengers to make their mark on the Triple Crown trail. The inclusion of several newcomers, including the likes of Goal Oriented and Clever Again, adds a layer of unpredictability to the race, making it a fascinating watch for racing enthusiasts.

Rich Racing History and Notable Absences

Throughout the history of the Preakness, the decision of a Kentucky Derby winner to skip the race has been a rare occurrence but has become more common in recent years. Notable examples include Country House, the 2019 Derby winner who missed the Preakness due to illness, and Rich Strike and Mandaloun, who were absent from subsequent editions of the race for various reasons. The modern era has seen Kentucky Derby winners occasionally opt out of the Preakness, adding a touch of unpredictability to the Triple Crown series.

Several past Kentucky Derby champions have decided to forego the Preakness in pursuit of other goals or due to unforeseen circumstances. Names like Grindstone, Spend a Buck, and Gato Del Sol chose to skip the second leg of the Triple Crown, with reasons ranging from injuries to strategic decisions. The Preakness has witnessed a mix of contenders over the years, with some notable winners opting to bypass the race, highlighting the diverse paths taken by elite racehorses.

As the 155-year-old Pimlico track prepares for renovations that will see the Preakness temporarily move to Laurel Park, this year's edition takes on added significance as the final run at the historic venue for the foreseeable future. The impending changes to the race location underscore the importance of this year's Preakness and mark a transitional period in the storied history of the Triple Crown series.

Analysis of Betting Favorites and Race Dynamics

With Journalism emerging as the betting favorite for the Preakness, punters and racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the intriguing matchup in the absence of a clear-cut Triple Crown contender. Despite finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism's pedigree and track record make him a formidable force in the field, with expectations running high for a strong showing at Pimlico.

Meanwhile, the spotlight also falls on Sandman, whose unique name and racing style have garnered attention leading up to the Preakness. Named after the iconic Metallica song “Enter Sandman”, the horse's journey to the Preakness has been marked by a shift in hoof gear and strategic adjustments by trainer Mark Casse. As a closer, Sandman's performance in the race hinges on race dynamics and his ability to make a strong late surge towards the finish line.

The introduction of newcomers like Goal Oriented and Clever Again presents an intriguing subplot to the Preakness narrative, offering punters and fans alternative options to consider in their wagering strategies. Trained by renowned figures like Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen, these up-and-coming contenders bring a mix of talent, speed, and potential to the race, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the competitive field.

Expert Picks and Race Day Predictions

Heading into the Preakness race, expert analysts and handicappers weigh in on their top picks and race day predictions, providing insights into the potential outcomes and performances to watch for on the track. With Journalism established as the frontrunner, the focus shifts to contenders like Clever Again and Goal Oriented, who present viable alternatives for punters seeking value and potential upsets.

Anita Marks' selections highlight horses like Clever Again and Goal Oriented as strong contenders in the Preakness, offering favorable odds and potential success based on their form and pedigree. With a field of talented runners and a mix of established and emerging stars, the race promises excitement and drama as the contenders vie for victory and glory at Pimlico.

As race day approaches and the excitement mounts, horse racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama at the Preakness, where champions are crowned, upsets are witnessed, and the legacy of the Triple Crown series lives on in the hearts and minds of racing aficionados around the globe.

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