Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is gearing up for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, where he will be aiming for his ninth victory at the prestigious event. The race is set to take place on Saturday at the Pimlico Race Course. Baffert, who recently returned to the Kentucky Derby after a three-year ban, unfortunately had his top horse, Rodriguez, scratched due to a foot issue. This setback will also keep Rodriguez out of the upcoming Preakness Stakes, leaving Baffert to rely on another contender.
One of Baffert’s promising horses is Goal Oriented, who has a flawless record of 2-0 in the first two races of his career. Despite facing allowance foes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, Goal Oriented managed to secure victories. However, the competition will be tougher at the 2025 Preakness Stakes, with top contenders like Journalism, the favorite with 8-5 odds. While Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won’t be in the running, Journalism is expected to be a popular choice for bettors.
Jockey Jody Demling, a well-known figure in the horse racing world, has a strong track record of predicting race outcomes. With numerous successful calls in the past, including hitting the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness Stakes, Demling’s insights are highly valued. He has provided a projected leaderboard for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, offering valuable information for those looking to place bets on the event. Additionally, Demling has highlighted three longshot contenders to watch out for in the race.
One of the longshots to consider is Clever Again, with odds of 5-1. Despite limited experience, Clever Again has shown potential with a wire-to-wire victory at the Hot Springs Stakes. Trained by Steve Asmussen, who has a history of Preakness Stakes wins, Clever Again has a strong pedigree, being the offspring of American Pharoah. Another contender to keep an eye on is Goal Oriented, trained by Bob Baffert. Despite being the least experienced horse in the field, Goal Oriented has secured two wins in his career so far and is looking to continue his winning streak at the Preakness Stakes.
American Promise, with odds of 15-1, is another intriguing longshot for the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, a seasoned veteran in the horse racing world, American Promise is coming off a challenging trip at the Kentucky Derby. With jockey Nik Juarez onboard, American Promise will be looking to bounce back and secure a strong finish at the upcoming race. As the field gears up for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, there is anticipation and excitement surrounding the potential outcomes of the event. Horse racing enthusiasts and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the action-packed race day at the Pimlico Race Course.
