With the buzz growing for the 150th Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, at the iconic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, one horse is stealing the spotlight: River Thames. This colt, sired by Maclean’s Music, has quickly made a name for himself as a serious contender, showcasing a mix of speed, adaptability, and a well-planned strategy aimed at hitting his peak just in time for the Preakness. For both bettors and racing fans, River Thames is definitely a horse to keep an eye on—and bet on—during this crucial middle leg of the Triple Crown.
A Deep Dive into River Thames’ Racing Profile
River Thames stands out from his competition with a unique blend of skill and reliability. Under the guidance of the renowned Todd Pletcher, a Hall of Fame trainer famous for his thorough training methods and achievements at top-tier events, River Thames has already made a name for himself in the graded stakes arena.
Early 2025 Campaign: River Thames started his 3-year-old season strong with two impressive wins in January and February, showing he’s ready to take on the top competitors.
Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes: He came in a tight second behind Sovereignty, who ended up winning the Kentucky Derby, proving he can hang with the top contenders.
Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes: Recently, River Thames put up a strong fight to finish third, just a hair’s breadth away from the winner, proving he has the stamina and drive to compete at the top level.
His performances have scored him 50 points for Kentucky Derby qualification, which is enough to get him into the Derby. But his team decided to play it smart and skip the Derby to concentrate on the Preakness Stakes instead.
Reasons to Bet on the River Thames in 2025
The River Thames isn’t just any old horse; he’s a savvy betting pick for a bunch of good reasons.
Freshness and Targeted Preparation
Unlike most Preakness contenders who just raced in the tough Kentucky Derby two weeks prior, River Thames will show up at Pimlico feeling fresh and well-rested. This additional recovery period could really make a difference in a race where every second and endurance count. By skipping the Derby, his team has given him the chance to train specifically for the Preakness’s 1 3/16 miles, which is a great fit for his running style.
Trainer Expertise
Todd Pletcher is a brilliant strategist, boasting six wins in Triple Crown races, which includes two Kentucky Derbies and four Belmont Stakes. While he hasn’t win a Preakness win yet, his horses always compete at the highest level. His decision to enter River Thames in this race shows he has a lot of faith in the horse. With his vast experience and smart tactics, River Thames is well-prepared and positioned for race day.
Running Style and Versatility
River Thames has demonstrated versatility in his races-capable of stalking the pace or making a powerful late charge. This adaptability allows jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. to adjust tactics based on race conditions and competitors’ moves, a crucial advantage in a race often decided by split-second decisions.
Strong Bloodlines and Physical Attributes
River Thames, bred by Maclean’s Music from a powerful female lineage, showcases a blend of speed and endurance. His well-proportioned, muscular, and nimble build enhances his capability to sustain a quick tempo throughout the Preakness distance, particularly on Pimlico’s frequently swift and solid dirt surface.
Why River Thames Is a Must-Watch and Must-Bet Horse
River Thames has a solid training routine, a strong track record in graded stakes, and a smart plan aimed at winning the Preakness. His freshness, adaptability, and lineage set him apart in a tough competition. For bettors seeking good value and a horse with a real chance to win, River Thames presents an appealing blend of dependability and potential.
In the exciting and unpredictable realm of Triple Crown racing, River Thames stands out as a unique mix of skill and strategy, making him possibly the best bet for the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Watch this colt as he races towards the winner’s circle at Pimlico and think about placing your bets to take advantage of his bright prospects.
Betting Tip: Check out the potential in unique bets like exactas or trifectas involving River Thames, especially if you think the Derby veterans might struggle with the pace. His freshness and quick tactics could really benefit smart bettors who are ready to support a top-notch, well-prepared contender.