Expert Pick of the Week: 2025 Preakness Stakes

May 14, 2025 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Journalism winning the 2025 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

A fine field of nine three-year-olds will travel 1 3/16 miles over the main strip at Pimlico on Saturday in the $2 million Preakness S. (G1). The second leg of the Triple Crown has attracted the top two betting choices from the Kentucky Derby (G1) and seven other excellent sophomores, in what promises to be an exciting event.

Santa Anita Derby (G1) star Journalism ran a winning race in defeat in Louisville when second best for conditioner Mike McCarthy. The son of Curlin had a four-race win streak snapped in the Run for the Roses, but he overcame some adversity to run a huge race for the second time in succession. Bred in the Bluegrass State, the $825,000 yearling purchase can adapt to any pace scenario and will likely be able to save valuable ground in the early stages of the Preakness with speed inside and outside of him. Regular rider Umberto Rispoli will guide the standout sophomore and have him in striking range as the field approaches the turn for home.

I’ve been intrigued with American Promise since his Virginia Derby romp for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and I expect the son of Justify to put in a big run at a nice price at Pimlico. The chestnut was never comfortable while forcing a fast tempo between horses in Louisville last time out, and I envision him receiving a much better voyage in this particular spot. Kentucky-bred is a burly colt with a fine foundation under him, and he could hold a narrow edge as the field heads for home on Saturday with Nik Juarez retaining the ride.

The Steve Asmussen-trained Clever Again has looked the part from a pair of wire-to-wire tallies at Oaklawn Park this season and has a very high ceiling going forward. American Pharoah colt is bred to handle the move to 1 3/16 miles, he possesses a high cruising speed, and the lightly raced sort also figures to endure a perfect trip while tracking the honest tempo from third while in the clear throughout. Jose Ortiz stays in the irons and will have every chance to secure a good result atop the $500,000 yearling purchase.

Expert Pick

An exacta with #2 Journalism on top of #3 American Promise and #8 Clever Again in the 2025 Preakness Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.