With a maximum field of 14 Preakness Stakes horses running the second leg of the Triple Crown, racegoers can see some classy thoroughbreds at Pimlico Race Course on the third Saturday in May. This is where our expert handicappers analyze all Preakness runners battling on the Baltimore track this year.

Preakness 2025 Horses List

As no more than 14 horses in the Preakness can run, not all of the initial hopefuls can get a run. There are four “win and you’re in” races, provided those successful are nominated for the Triple Crown.

These are the El Camino Real Derby, Bathhouse Row Stakes, Federico Tesio Stakes and the Kentucky Derby. If the horses don’t have Triple Crown nominations, then connections of Preakness Stakes contenders must pay a $150,000 supplementary fee.

Career earnings are another metric for balloting out, if necessary. Here is the list of Preakness Stakes horses and odds with Morning Line prices in brackets:

1. Goal Oriented (6-1)
2. Journalism (8-5 fav)
3. American Promise (15-1)
4. Heart Of Honor (12-1)
5. Pay Billy (20-1)
6. River Thames (9-2)
7. Sandman (4-1)
8. Clever Again (5-1)
9. Gosger (20-1)

All Preakness Stakes Horses 2025

Although the final Preakness field isn’t known until after the draw for post positions, handicappers and oddsmakers can still assess hopefuls for the race ahead of time. That is just what are our experts do right here.

We update this section after all Preakness Stakes runners were revealed from the post positions draw. Check out the thoughts of our handicappers for the Pimlico Triple Crown race:

1. Goal Oriented

Goes in the Preakness Stakes field after barn buddy Rodriguez not over minor setback that ruled him out of the Kentucky Derby. Won minor races at Santa Anita and Churchill Downs undercard latest. Must step up on that form, but anything saddled by winningest trainer Baffert commands respect.

2. Journalism

Outstayed by Sovereignty when second in the Kentucky Derby latest, but looks more likely to be one of the 2025 Preakness Stakes horses that runs well in Baltimore. Lost little in defeat in sloppy conditions at Churchill Downs and every chance of going one better on prior Santa Anita Derby win. With Sovereignty skipping this, holds leading form claims.

3. American Promise

One of the possible Preakness Stakes 2025 contenders despite failing to fire in Kentucky Derby latest. Previously impressive at Colonial Downs, but only distant fifth in Risen Star before that. By a Triple Crown winner, but looks exposed for last year’s successful barn with seven previous Preakness Stakes winners trained in it.

4. Heart Of Honor

Fine nose second in the UAE Derby on World Cup Night at Meydan latest. British raider who has shaped three times in the Middle East as though he could run well in a race like this. No surprise if he outruns his Preakness Stakes odds and does well if translating UAE form across the Atlantic.

5. Pay Billy

Dual Listed winner around Laurel Park this spring and represents the local Maryland form among Preakness contenders 2025. Sire a disappointing beaten favorite down in sixth in 2019. Dam a Grade III sprinter. Others appeal more.

6. River Thames

Fountain Of Youth second to Sovereignty on penultimate start in Florida. Also made show in Blues Grass Stakes around Keeneland. Rerouted from Kentucky Derby to this and the best Preakness racebooks think that’s a good call, for all the barn has never won this.

7. Sandman

Others did better coming from the back in the Kentucky Derby than his seventh, but he was reasonably favored by bettors. Finished in same spot as barn’s 2019 Preakness winner War Of Will at Churchill Downs, so can’t be ruled out on that basis. Managed to confirm Arkansas Derby form latest and a better display is possble.

8. Clever Again

Made all in Listed mile race around Oaklawn Park last time. Stoutly bred on dam’s side of pedigree and probably could be even better over this trip and longer distances. Barn has had two successful Preakness Stakes horses before. Interesting cross-surface breeding.

9. Gosger

Passed on Kentucky Derby wildcard for this after Grade III success around Keeneland latest. Sire only third in this race after winning at Churchill Downs. Sixth foal out of dam and sibling won fillies only Grade I. Further progress up in trip can’t be ruled out.

Preakness Horses And Jockeys to Follow

Some Preakness Stakes horses and jockeys develop followings. This is because of their past performances on the track and record in big races like this Triple Crown event. It also extends to trainers who target the Preakness with the best thoroughbreds in their barn.

John Velazquez rode the 2023 winner National Treasure, and has also placed and made the show in other recent editions of the race. He rides Sandman in the 150th Preakness Stakes.

Irad Ortiz, meanwhile, has also ridden multiple top 3 finishers before. His latest Preakness ride is River Thames.

When looking at trainers, Bob Baffert is the winningest. He has saddled eight Preakness Stakes horses to victory, which is a record. That haul also includes three winners since 2015. Baffert’s barn has Goal Oriented as a runner this year.

Veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas is another handler with a top Preakness record. The 89 year-old has won this Triple Crown race seven times during his career, with the first back in 1980 (Codex) and latest in Seize The Grey in 2024.

FAQs

What horses are running in the Preakness Stakes?

There are nine Preakness horses 2025 taking part in the latest edition of the middle leg of the Triple Crown. These are American Promise, Clever Again, Goal Oriented, Gosger, Heart Of Honor, Journalism, Pay Billy, River Thames and Sandman.

Are Preakness runners male or female?

Fillies are allowed to run in the Preakness and have won the race before. It is open to all Triple Crown nominated horses aged three, regardless of their gender.

How do Preakness Stakes horses become eligible for the race?

There are “win and you’re in” races like the El Camino Real Derby, Bath House Row Stakes, Federico Tesio Stakes and Kentucky Derby, which give automatic qualification to the Preakness. All horses must have Triple Crown nominations to be eligible.

Can female horses run in the Preakness?

Yes, fillies can take part in the race. None of the Preakness Stakes 2025 horses are female, but they may enter. A filly was successful in the Preakness as recently as 2020.

How many horses are in the Preakness Stakes?

A maximum field of 14 runners are allowed in the Preakness. This year there are nine probable horses taking part.

What is winning the Preakness worth?

A total prize purse of $2,000,000 is available for the Preakness Stakes in 2024. The winner receives the lion’s share of that at over $1,000,000.

How old are Preakness Stakes horses?

Only Triple Crown nominated three-year-old thoroughbreds are eligible for the race. If the Kentucky Derby winner goes on to Pimlico, then Preakness horses and odds will reflect a live Triple Crown bid.