We know the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, is bypassing this race to most likely run in the Belmont Stakes. Also, this week we learned late Derby scratch, Rodriguez, is still not ready to run and decided not to be part of the field.
Here is a look at what we know, and we’ll include unofficial odds we found at various betting sites.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | BONUS | ONLINE SINCE | Bet Now |
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20% Cash Bonus
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2001
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55% Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2001
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$750 Cash Bonus
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1994
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$500 Cash Bonus
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1985
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$500 Cash Bonus
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1983
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Journalism (6-5 odds)
Journalism stands out as a clear favorite if he races. He was leading at Churchill Downs in the late stages when Sovereignty made his closing kick. The Santa Anita Derby winner and Kentucky Derby runner-up remains an extremely talented horse who could easily win this Triple Crown race.
Goal Oriented (5-1)
This horse also ran on Derby Day at Churchill and won an allowance race. With Rodriguez out, this will be trainer Bob Baffert’s only entry in the race. This is just Goal Oriented third race (he’s won both). With Baffert having won this race eight times, GO will be favorably bet.
Clever Again (8-1)
The son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Clever Again has only made three career starts, once in early 2024 and not again for 10 months with nagging injuries. That put him behind schedule for the Derby. Still this spring, Clever Again won an allowance and Stakes race, posted a 101-speed rating, making him a contender.
River Thames (8-1)
River Thames won his first two starts earlier at Gulfstream Park. He moved up in class and was second by a neck to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Followed that up with a solid third in the Blue Grass Stakes and will come well-rested.
American Promise (12-1)
American Promise finished a disappointing 16th at the Derby, despite being well-liked as a longshot in that race. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas made a quick decision and entered his horse in this race, believing he has something to prove.
Sandman (TBD)
Entered the fray just before the weekend. The social media sensation that brought younger eyeballs (named after the Metallica song – Enter Sandman) to the Kentucky Derby, along with cash (the second most bet), was seventh. Trainer Mark Casse liked his workouts and believed he’s more than fresh enough.
Gosger (20-1)
The Lexington Stakes winner has shown well in various workouts. The son of Derby winner Nyquist, might not have enough speed to run with the top horses.
Bullard (TBD)
At this time, not officially in the race, though a likely scenario. Bullard won the Bob Hope Stakes in November. He finished a so-so fifth in the Lexington Stakes and would need a big move forward to compete here.
Pay Billy (30-1)
In recent years, a local Maryland-bred horse has made the Preakness, and Pay Billy is this year’s entrant. The downside here is not facing elite competition.
Heart of Honor (30-1)
Heart of Honor, the UAE Derby (G2) runner-up, arrived in the U.S. on Thursday following a trans-Atlantic flight from Great Britain. Not much is expected here with Admire Daytona, the UAE Derby winner, last at the race in Louisville.
Make sure to check back after the official gate draw for the Preakness, as we’ll have a comprehensive look at the race for this Saturday!
