2025 Preakness Stakes: Michelle Yu’s Bold Predictions Shake Up Racing Scene - (2025)

Updated: 12/06/2025

As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, horse racing enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event set to take place on Saturday, May 17, at Pimlico Race Course. With top contenders vying for glory, including familiar names like Journalism, Sandman, and River Thames, the stage is set for a thrilling competition. Horse racing expert Michelle Yu's predictions are eagerly awaited, offering valuable insights into the potential winners of the prestigious race.

Nik Juarez, a Maryland native, is expected to ride American Promise in the 2025 Preakness Stakes, bringing local flair to the event as he makes his debut in this high-stakes competition. Born just 30 miles from Pimlico Race Course, Juarez will no doubt have the support of the hometown crowd as he aims to lead American Promise to victory.

Looking at the current odds for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, several frontrunners have emerged, with Journalism leading the pack as the 8-5 favorite. The competition is fierce, with Sandman at 4-1 and River Thames at 9-2 also garnering considerable attention from racing enthusiasts. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, the previous year's champion, adds an element of local and historic significance to the event, potentially making American Promise a popular choice among spectators and bettors alike.

Michelle Yu, a respected racing reporter and analyst based at Santa Anita, has a track record of success when it comes to handicapping races. Her predictions leading up to the 2025 Preakness Stakes have created a buzz among fans, who are eager to see if her insights will prove accurate once again.

One notable aspect of Yu's analysis is her reluctance to place Journalism as her top pick despite his status as the favorite. With jockey Umberto Rispoli making his Preakness Stakes debut after an underwhelming performance at the Kentucky Derby, Yu raises concerns about their ability to clinch victory. Rispoli's past results at Churchill Downs, coupled with Journalism's lack of experience in Triple Crown races, present significant challenges that could impact their chances on race day.

While Journalism boasts an impressive record of four wins in six career races, the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty from the 2025 Preakness Stakes field has shifted the dynamics of the competition. Despite the horse's strong performances, Yu questions the value of betting on Journalism given the uncertainties surrounding the jockey-trainer combination.

As the Preakness Stakes approaches, Yu's insights into the race continue to draw attention from fans and bettors looking to make informed decisions. Her past successes in predicting outcomes for major racing events have established her as a reliable source of information for those seeking to capitalize on the excitement and unpredictability of the sport.

For those following the 2025 Preakness Stakes closely, Yu's recommendations on which horses to back and which ones to avoid carry significant weight. As the day of the race draws nearer, the stakes are high, and the competition promises to deliver thrilling moments for spectators and punters alike.

With the 2025 Preakness Stakes odds and post positions set, fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when the horses line up at the starting gate, ready to showcase their speed, stamina, and determination in pursuit of victory.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the 2025 Preakness Stakes approaches, offering a blend of tradition, excitement, and high-stakes action for everyone involved in the world of horse racing.

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