Source: NBC News

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Winner Sparks Excitement Ahead of Preakness Stakes

The buzz surrounding the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, has added considerable excitement as horse racing fans turn their attention to the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 17, 2025, at venerable Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the Preakness is the second leg of the illustrious Triple Crown series.

The Absence of Sovereignty

While Sovereignty clinched the Kentucky Derby, the anticipation has been tempered by the announcement that this remarkable horse will not participate in the Preakness. As reported by NBC News, this unexpected turn of events has shifted the dynamics of the race, raising questions about who will emerge as the new favorite among the remaining competitors. Horse racing enthusiasts are left to ponder the impact of Sovereignty’s absence on the betting landscape and the race’s outcome.

What to Expect at the 2025 Preakness Stakes

The Preakness represents a significant challenge for all contenders, particularly with a competitive field that includes several noteworthy horses. The post positions and odds have been revealed, adding another layer of intrigue leading into the event. Here’s a brief overview of some key participants:

• Goal Oriented (6-1): Jockeyed by Flavien Prat and trained by Bob Baffert, this horse is coming off a recent victory at Churchill Downs.
• Journalism (8-5): This promising horse finished second in the Kentucky Derby and is trained by Michael W. McCarthy.
• American Promise (15-1): Despite finishing far back in the Kentucky Derby, trainer D. Wayne Lukas’s horse has successfully competed in prior events.
• Heart of Honor (12-1): With an international background, this horse is as rare as they come, boasting lineage from Kentucky and Chile.
• River Thames (9-2): After a solid outing alongside Sovereignty earlier in the season, River Thames remains a contender.
• Sandman (4-1): Post-Derby performances have also been notable for Sandman, who placed well previously.
• Clever Again (5-1): A strong starter with previous wins under its belt, Clever Again has shown potential for future success.
• Gosger (20-1): This horse has demonstrated promising form and will be looking to capitalize on its latest victories.

Each horse carries its own narrative leading into the race, providing fans with varied storylines and betting possibilities.

Event Details and Broadcast Information

For those looking to tune in to the excitement, here are the essential details about the 2025 Preakness Stakes:

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Post Time: 6:50 p.m. ET
• Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore
• How to Watch: The race will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

Fans are encouraged to follow along using live updates on various platforms to catch every moment of the race.

The Spirit of Horse Racing Continues

The Preakness Stakes remains a hallmark event in the world of horse racing—a tradition celebrated for its rich history and exceptional athleticism. Despite the disappointment of not seeing Sovereignty compete, the vibrancy of the competition promises to deliver an exciting showcase of equine talent.

As the countdown to the Preakness continues, anticipation mounts, and fans across the nation prepare for what might unfold on the track. The world of horse racing remains ever-dynamic, and with each race, new narratives are written.

Tags: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, horse racing, Sovereignty, Pimlico Race Course, Bob Baffert, Triple Crown, Journalism, thoroughbred racing, horse betting