Preakness Stakes: Kentucky Derby Winner’s Absence Sets Stage for Unpredictable 150th Running - (2025)

Updated: 12/06/2025

Looking ahead to the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the absence of the Kentucky Derby winner has added an air of unpredictability to the prestigious horse race. With only three horses from the Derby taking part in the Preakness, including Journalism, American Promise, and Sandman, the field is open for newcomers to make their mark on the Triple Crown trail.

Key Storylines in Preakness Stakes

One of the significant storylines leading up to the Preakness is the decision by trainer Bill Mott to bypass the race with Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, opting to aim for the Belmont Stakes instead. This choice sets an unusual tone for the 150th edition of the Preakness, with no potential for a Triple Crown winner and a limited representation from the Kentucky Derby contenders.

Historically, the Kentucky Derby winner skipping the Preakness is a rare occurrence, but recent years have seen notable instances such as Country House in 2019 and 2021 winner Mandaloun not entering the race. The tradition of the Triple Crown races, with the Kentucky Derby as the first leg and the Belmont Stakes as the last, dates back to 1932, although exceptions have been seen over the years.

Adding to the intrigue of this year's Preakness is the impending renovations at Pimlico, the long-standing track for the race. The 155-year-old track is set to undergo changes, leading to the relocation of the Preakness to Laurel Park until the renovations are completed. As the final Preakness at Pimlico before the renovations, the race holds a special place in the history of the event.

Standout Horses in the Preakness

Among the notable contenders for the Preakness are Journalism, Clever Again, Sandman, and Gosger. Journalism, the betting favorite, aims for redemption after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. Despite the setback, Journalism's pedigree and talent make him a strong contender in the Preakness. Clever Again, trained by Steve Asmussen, offers bettors a chance for better odds, while Sandman's unique backstory as a horse named after a popular song adds an intriguing element to the race.

Recommended Bets for the Preakness

For those looking to place their bets on the Preakness Stakes, the experts suggest a few key options. Journalism, with odds at 8-5, is the logical choice for a win but may require a significant bet for a worthwhile return. Clever Again, at 5-1, offers slightly better odds and is considered a strong contender in the field.

Exacta and trifecta bets are also recommended for the Preakness, with combinations of top horses like Journalism, Clever Again, River Thames, and Gosger providing exciting betting opportunities. The Beyer speed figures for the horses offer insights into their speed and performance, guiding bettors in making informed decisions for the race.

Anticipation for the Western Conference Finals

Shifting gears to the basketball court, the upcoming Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves promises an intense showdown. The Thunder's victory over the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling Game 7 sets the stage for a compelling series against the Timberwolves.

Key players like Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of the series. Analysts are eager to see how the Thunder's strategy adapts to face the Timberwolves' defensive approaches, especially considering Minnesota's success with zone defense in previous matchups.

Both teams head into the Western Conference finals with high stakes, aiming to secure their spot in the NBA Finals and showcase their talents on the big stage. Fans can expect a clash of titans as the Thunder and Timberwolves battle for supremacy in the highly anticipated series.

Predictions for the Eastern Conference Finals

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers are gearing up for a thrilling confrontation in the finals. The Knicks' decisive victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 sets the tone for an exciting matchup against the Pacers, who secured their spot after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5.

Expectations are high for star players like Tyrese Haliburton and Julius Randle to shine in the Eastern Conference finals, showcasing their skills and leading their teams to victory. The clash between the Knicks and the Pacers is poised to be a battle of resilience and determination, with both sides eager to claim the conference title and advance to the NBA Finals.

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