Journalism makes dramatic rally to win Preakness

May 17, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Journalism wins the 2025 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

The curtain came down on the present incarnation of Pimlico Race Course in dramatic fashion on Saturday when even-money favorite Journalism bulled his way between rivals in upper stretch and then flew home to beat Gosger to the wire in the $2 million Preakness (G1).

This was the last Preakness to be staged at Pimlico until 2027. The current grandstand, which dates to the 1950s, will soon be dismantled and replaced with a smaller, modern facility. Laurel will be the host site for the 2026 Preakness.

Second as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) two weeks ago, Journalism's path to victory was made easier when Derby winner Sovereignty was removed from Preakness consideration more than a week ago. However, Journalism still had much to overcome in running.

JOURNALISM WINS THE PREAKNESS! 🏆🌻

pic.twitter.com/sfi7uXdUkY

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 17, 2025

Saving ground in sixth down the backside, Journalism maintained his inside position around the far turn while advancing on the leaders. Through the opening six furlongs, Clever Again set the pace, followed closely by Gosger.

Gosger seized control from Clever Again turning for home and began opening up. Meanwhile, Journalism exchanged bumps with Goal Oriented while attempting to establish a path for himself but soon found himself in very tight quarters between Goal Oriented and a tiring Clever Again.

Journalism recovered in time from the altercation with those two rivals, kicked into another gear, and motored home to win by approximately a half-length under Umberto Rispoli. The final time for 1 3/16 miles over a fast track was 1:55.47. Journalism paid $4 to win.

Gosger, the Lexington (G3) winner, finished a clear second ahead of Arkansas Derby (G1) hero Sandman. The order of finish was rounded out by Goal Oriented, Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise, and Clever Again.

This was the second Preakness win for trainer Michael McCarthy, who also won the 2021 edition with Rombauer. Journalism races for a wide-ranging partnership headed by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and he sported the silks of Bridlewood Farm in the Preakness.

Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners said after the Preakness that, provided Journalism is in good shape, he would head to the Belmont S. (G1) in three weeks. That classic, which will be run at a reduced distance of 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga for the second consecutive year, is also being targeted by Sovereignty as well as Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Baeza, among others.

The loss to Sovereignty remains the only one in stakes company for Journalism, who preceded his Kentucky Derby attempts with consecutive wins in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), San Felipe (G2), and Santa Anita Derby (G1). He's won five of his seven starts overall.

Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation and an $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling, Journalism is by two-time Horse of the Year and 2007 Preakness winner Curlin. He was produced by Grade 2 winner Mopotism, a daughter of Uncle Mo.