The 2025 Preakness Stakes, marking its 150th edition, is happening on May 17, 2025, at the famous Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This race is the second leg of the renowned Triple Crown series, following the Kentucky Derby and leading up to the Belmont Stakes. It’s a Grade I event that spans 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track, exclusively for three-year-old thoroughbreds, with colts and geldings weighing in at 126 pounds and fillies at 121 pounds.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Kicking off in 1873, the Preakness Stakes boasts a fascinating history that stretches back more than 150 years. It’s named after the colt Preakness, who took home the first Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in 1870. Over the years, this race has become a highlight of American horse racing, often called ‘The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown’ and ‘The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,’ which nods to Maryland’s state flower and the classic black-eyed Susan blanket awarded to the winner.
Since 1932, the race has been set to happen on the third Saturday of May, which is two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. This timing makes it tough for horses trying to clinch the Triple Crown. The Preakness is a bit shorter than both the Derby (1 1/4 miles) and the Belmont (1 1/2 miles), requiring a special mix of speed and endurance from the horses.
2025 Race Context and Contenders
The 2025 Preakness Stakes is generating a lot of buzz after Sovereignty’s win at the Kentucky Derby, making him a top contender for the Triple Crown. His Derby victory has set him up as a favorite for the Preakness, aiming to keep those Triple Crown dreams alive—something that hasn’t been a big focus at Pimlico lately because of unexpected Derby winners. People are expecting good odds for Sovereignty, and he’s seen as a strong bet to pull off the Derby-Preakness double, a feat that hasn’t been done since Justify in 2018.
The lineup for the Preakness will be finalized as we get closer to the race, but there’s uncertainty about whether Journalism, Sovereignty’s main competitor from the Derby, will join in. This could change the betting scene and how the race plays out. The Preakness usually draws not just Derby runners but also new contenders that sat out the Derby, making the competition even more interesting.
Event and Festivities
The Preakness Stakes weekend is a huge social and sports event that attracts thousands of fans from around the world. The fun kicks off on May 16, with Black-Eyed Susan Day, which honors fillies and the role of women in horse racing. This day includes the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a Grade II race for three-year-old fillies, along with live music, delicious food, and festive drinks.
May 17 is the big day featuring the Preakness Stakes race. It also has several top-tier stakes races, amazing entertainment, and the fun-filled InfieldFest, famous for its energetic vibe and big-name music acts. This weekend is all about showcasing top-notch racing while celebrating culture through sport, fashion, and entertainment.
Betting and Wagering
The Maryland Jockey Club is rolling out a Preakness Future Win Wager pool to celebrate the 150th running. This betting option kicked off on April 25, 2025, and wraps up on May 3, 2025, giving bettors a chance to place early bets on who will win the Preakness, starting at just $2.00. With an 18% takeout, the pool is settled at the Pimlico host fee rate, making it a thrilling way for fans to get involved with the race before it happens.
The 2025 Preakness Stakes is set to be a historic event in American horse racing, marking its 150th running with a mix of tradition, competition, and modern flair. With the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, looking to maintain Triple Crown dreams, a lively festival vibe, and exciting venue upgrades coming up, the Preakness Stakes keeps drawing in both die-hard racing fans and casual spectators. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, it’s a crucial challenge for horse racing greatness and a standout event in the spring racing season.