2025 Preakness Stakes Odds & Betting Lines
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Doug Upstone
- May 17, 2025
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most exciting races in American horse racing. Known as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, this race is held at Pimlico Race Course on the third Saturday in May each year. Betting on the Preakness has become almost as popular as the race itself.
The Preakness is open to three-year-old thoroughbred horses and is run just three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness is one of the most prestigious races in the sport of horse racing and is often referred to as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” as the winner is traditionally draped in a blanket of Maryland’s state flower.
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2025 Preakness Stakes Info
- Race: 10 (projected)
- Post Time: 6:50 PM ET
- Race Status: Grade 1
- Distance: 1-3/16 miles
- Conditions: Dirt
- Purse: $2,000,000
- Track: Left-handed
2025 Preakness Stakes Odds
2025 Preakness Stakes
Futures Odds
| Horse | Price | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | -110 | |
| Sandman | +900 | |
| River Thames | +650 | |
| Clever Again | +500 | |
| Goal Oriented | +700 | |
| American Promise | +1800 | |
| Gosger | +2000 |
The official post positions for the 150th Preakness Stakes were revealed on May 12, 2025. Very little compares to watching the horse you bet on break from the post and barrel toward the finish line with all its might.
In a race, the jockeys will always wear the horse owner’s silks. Owners’ silks never change and there is a special registration process to ensure that each one is unique. This is especially perfect for when these horses appear in other Triple Crown events like the Belmont Stakes or Kentucky Derby; you can easily identify every single horse on the field.
2025 Preakness Stakes Best Bet
Top Preakness Pick: To Win 2025 Preakness – Clever Again (+650) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Why Preakness Stakes is Popular
The top draw for decades was the winner of the Kentucky Derby who almost always ran in the Preakness. That gave the race an automatic air of anticipation. Could the winner of the first Triple Crown event have a repeat performance?
In recent years, because horses don’t race as often as in previous times, the two-week break is no longer considered long enough and not every Derby champion makes the trip to Baltimore anymore. That is a negative for the sport. Nonetheless, it is still a major attraction, just less so without the Kentucky Derby winner, as is the case this year as the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty has been ruled out of Preakness Stakes.
What sets the Triple Crown races apart?
As mentioned above, not all the Derby champs come to Pimlico in this era for various reasons, as we have seen with Sovereignty not racing in the 2025 Preakness Stakes. As to why, the sport has changed. Horses, with rare exception, don’t run every two weeks for top races in modern racing. Three races in five weeks have always been a lot to ask of a horse.
With training altered and so much money involved for the top horses, owners and trainers have too much at stake and it is better to pass up a race, even one like the Preakness, rather than have the horse lose its projected value.
Besides this, the 20-horse field at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May can see horses get bumped around quite a bit, which can take a physical and mental toll on the animal.
Shorter Distance
Another key aspect is the Preakness is shorter at a mile and 3/16, compared to the Derby at a mile and 1/4. That doesn’t make it a sprint, but the pace is generally quicker.
Though both Pimlico and Churchill Downs are two turn ovals of one mile, the shape of the ovals is different. That is partly the case because Churchill is 10 wider across than Pimlico.
The other important part is the corner embankments at Pimlico are lower, thus, jockeys have to slow the horses slightly so they stabilize their balance, compared to race tracks that have the normal 4 to 6-degree embankment that allow the horse and its rider to maintain a level of speed.
Who's running in the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
- Journalism
- Goal Oriented
- River Thames
- Clever Again
- Sandman
- American Promise
- Heart of Honor
- Gosger
- Pay Billy
Preakness Stakes Fast Facts
- The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I race run over a distance of 1 3⁄16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on dirt. The race length has been altered seven times but has been at this distance since 1925.
- The Preakness is actually two years older than the Kentucky Derby, first run in 1873.
- The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown since 1932. Before that, the Preakness was run before the Derby on 11 occasions.
- The immortal -Secretariat (1973) – still holds the record for the fastest time for 9.5 furlongs at 1:53.
- The largest margin of victory was by Smarty Jones (2004) at 11 ½ lengths. The oddity of that is the very first Preakness (1873) held the record at 10 lengths until then.
- Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert (and still going strong) holds the record for the most Preakness wins (8), which started in 1997.
- Jockey Eddie Arcaro holds the record for the most Preakness wins with 6.
Best Racebooks for Betting on the Preakness
If you’re getting ready to bet on the Preakness Stakes, it’s crucial to remember that relying on reputable horse racing betting sites is key. Our experts have found the top five best options:
- BetOnline – Great Preakness Stakes betting promos
- Bovada – Best welcome bonus for horseplayers
- BookMaker – Offers sharp fixed odds on the Preakness Stakes
- Heritage Sports – Beginner-friendly racebook
- BetAnySports – Offers a 10% profit boost on Preakness Stakes winnings
Choosing the right racebook can make a big difference in your overall betting experience. These five platforms offer strong bonuses, competitive odds and user-friendly features that cater to both new and experienced horseplayers.
1. Generous Preakness Stakes Betting Promos: BetOnline
Key Features
- Large betting limits on the Preakness
- Great betting promos for horseplayers
BetOnline is one of the top choices for bettors looking to get the most value out of their Preakness Stakes wagers. Known for offering frequent and generous promotions, BetOnline gives both new and returning users several ways to stretch their betting bankroll during big horse racing events like the Preakness.
One of the standout features at BetOnline is their racebook-specific bonus offers. Around Triple Crown season, the site typically rolls out deposit match bonuses and rebate offers tailored specifically for horseplayers. These often include welcome bonuses for new users, odds boosts on featured races and cash-back rebates on losing bets.
BetOnline also provides early access to fixed odds on the Preakness Stakes. This gives sharp bettors the opportunity to lock in favorable odds before the lines move closer to race day. When combined with their promotions, these fixed odds can provide extra value that’s hard to find elsewhere.
2. Best Racebook Welcome Bonus: Bovada
Key Features
- Market-leading odds on some Preakness betting contenders
- Excellent sign-up bonus for horseplayers
Bovada consistently stands out for offering one of the most attractive racebook welcome bonuses in the industry. If you’re planning to bet on the Preakness Stakes for the first time, Bovada gives you a strong head start with a generous deposit match bonus specifically designed for new users.
The welcome bonus at Bovada’s racebook typically includes a percentage match on your initial deposit, allowing new bettors to start with extra funds. This is especially valuable during high-profile events like the Preakness Stakes, where early odds and sharp lines can provide key betting opportunities.
Beyond the bonus itself, Bovada’s racebook is designed with ease of use in mind. The layout is clean and intuitive, making it simple to locate Pimlico Race Course’s betting menu, review stats and place exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas. The platform also offers full mobile support, so you can lock in your Preakness Stakes bets from anywhere.
3. Sharp Fixed Odds on the Preakness Stakes: BookMaker
Key Features
- Provides appealing fixed-odds on Preakness futures
- Net profits of up to $100,000 available on the Preakness
BookMaker is widely respected among experienced horseplayers for offering some of the sharpest fixed odds on the Preakness Stakes. Known for posting lines earlier than most competitors, BookMaker Sportsbook gives bettors the chance to grab value before the odds shift closer to post time.
Sharp bettors appreciate BookMaker because the odds closely reflect true market prices. This means you’re less likely to see inflated vig or skewed lines designed to trap casual players. Whether you’re backing a favorite or hunting value on a live longshot, BookMaker’s pricing gives you a fair and accurate betting landscape.
The advantage of early fixed odds is clear — locking in your wager before public action drives down payouts. BookMaker routinely posts odds days ahead of the Preakness, giving you ample time to compare entries and secure strong prices before the market adjusts.
4. Top Beginner-Friendly Racebook: Heritage Sports
Key Features
- Very easy-to-use site for novice horseplayers
- Excellent customer service if you need assistance
Heritage Sports is an ideal racebook for newcomers looking to bet on the Preakness Stakes. Its simple interface, clear bet types and responsive customer service make it a top choice for bettors who are just getting started with horse racing.
The platform is designed with ease of use in mind. From navigating the Pimlico race listings to selecting between win, place and exotic wagers, Heritage keeps things straightforward. New bettors won’t be overwhelmed by cluttered menus or complex terminology, which helps reduce mistakes and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Heritage Sports also offers competitive odds and full track coverage, including early lines on the Preakness Stakes and other Triple Crown races. For first-time users, the site often provides smaller, risk-free bet incentives or rebates on losses, giving you a cushion as you get comfortable with wagering on horses.
5. Get a 10% Profit Boost on Preakness Stakes Winnings: BetAnySports
Key Features
- Pays customers 10% extra on winning Preakness bets
- Very competitive rebate program
BetAnySports gives bettors an added edge on Preakness Stakes day with a 10% profit boost on winning wagers. BetAnySports‘ promotion is simple, automatic and available to all users placing bets on the event, making it one of the best value offers available for Preakness betting.
Unlike many promotions that come with strings attached, the 10% boost at BetAnySports typically applies across common bet types including win, place, show, exacta and trifecta wagers. That extra payout can add up quickly, especially when betting underdogs or exotics with bigger potential returns.
In addition to the profit boost, BetAnySports is known for offering reduced juice pricing across its sportsbook and competitive racebook odds. This allows users to retain more value over time, especially during major events.
Preakness Stakes Horse Selection & Post Positions
The final field for the Preakness Stakes is typically set during the week leading up to the race, with the official post position draw taking place on the Monday or Tuesday before race day. Since the Preakness is run annually on the third Saturday in May, horse selections are usually confirmed by mid-May each year.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, which has a strict points-based qualification system, the field is largely based on invitations and entries from trainers and owners. While the top finishers from the Kentucky Derby are automatically eligible and often invited, participation is not mandatory. In recent years, some Derby horses have skipped the Preakness to rest or prepare for other races.
The remainder of the field is filled with other three-year-olds selected based on graded stakes earnings, lifetime performance and nominations. Owners who wish to enter a thoroughbred not automatically qualified may also pay a supplemental fee to secure a spot.
The post position draw happens a few days before the event, often on the Monday or Tuesday of Preakness Week. Horses are assigned a random gate number, determining its starting spot on the track. These positions can significantly affect outcomes — especially on a tighter track like Pimlico Race Course. Bettors should consider post position assignments when evaluating odds and making wagers.
Preakness Stakes Post Time
The Preakness Stakes is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May, with the post time usually scheduled for early evening. While the exact time can vary slightly, the race typically goes off around 6:45 PM Eastern Time (ET). This timing allows for maximum television coverage and viewership during prime weekend hours.
The official post time is announced by event organizers at Pimlico Race Course during Preakness Week, usually a few days before the event. Bettors should keep an eye on the finalized schedule to ensure they don’t miss the window to place last-minute wagers or watch the event live.
Leading up to the main event, a full day of undercard races fills the Saturday schedule at Pimlico Race Course. These earlier races offer additional betting opportunities and serve as a build-up to the headline Preakness Stakes.
How To Read Preakness Odds
Understanding how to read Preakness Stakes odds is key to making informed bets. Odds are typically displayed in the American odds format, which uses either a plus (+) or minus (−) sign in front of a number to indicate potential winnings:
- Positive Odds (+): Show how much profit you’ll make on a $100 bet. A +600 line pays $600 on a $100 wager.
- Negative Odds (−): Show how much you need to bet to make a $100 profit. A -150 line means you must bet $150 to profit $100.
Online sportsbooks usually offer fixed odds on Preakness Stakes betting. This means the odds you see when placing your bet are locked in and won’t change, even if the public heavily backs the same racehorse afterward. This is different from pari-mutuel betting, where odds fluctuate based on betting activity and aren’t finalized until post time.
Popular Preakness Stakes Betting Markets
On race day, horseplayers have the opportunity to place several different types of bets. Here is a look at some of the most common bets available:
- Win: A bet on who will finish the race in the fastest time.
- Place: A bet on a horse to finish first or second, in either place.
- Show: A bet on a horse to finish first, second or third.
- Exacta: A bet on the winning horse and the runner-up, in that exact order.
- Trifecta: A bet on the winner, runner-up and third-place horse.
- Superfecta: A bet on the first four to finish the race.
- Pick 3: Pick the winner of three consecutive races.
Each of these bet types offers a different level of risk and reward, allowing bettors to choose based on their comfort level and strategy. Whether you’re backing a single horse to win or trying to predict a complex finishing order, understanding these betting markets gives you the flexibility to make the most of your wagers.
Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
As the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes attracts the best colts, fillies, trainers and jockeys from around the world. To increase your chances of making informed betting decisions, consider these tips when placing your bets on the Middle Jewel:
- Consider Inside Post Positions: Six out of nine Preakness winners in recent years came from the first half of the field, so it might be advantageous to consider horses starting from inside post positions.
- Don’t Overlook Double-Digit Winners: Six out of ten Preakness winners in the last decade were double-digit odds, so it’s important not to just focus on the favorite when placing your bets.
- Focus on Proven Winners: The majority of recent Preakness winners had already won a graded Stakes and a significant number of them had already won a Grade 1 race. Therefore, look for those with a proven track record in Stakes races.
- Consider the Trainer & Jockey: A horse’s success can also depend on its trainer and jockey, so look for trainers and jockeys with a proven track record in big races.
- Pay Attention to Recent Form: Horses that have been performing well in recent races may be more likely to continue their winning form at the Preakness Stakes, while horses with poor recent form may struggle.
- Be Aware of Track Conditions: The track conditions on race day can affect the performance of the horses, so look for those that have experience running on similar track conditions to those expected at the Preakness Stakes.
By keeping these betting strategies and tips in mind, bettors can make more informed decisions when placing their bets on the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.
The Second Leg of the Triple Crown's History
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most important and exciting horse racing events in the United States. This historic event takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland and is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Derby by just two short weeks.
The race gets its name from the first three-year-old colt to win the race at Pimlico, which was Dinner Party Stakes. The Preakness Stakes has been run annually since 1873 and has seen some of the biggest names in horse racing history compete for the coveted title.
Like the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes has become a symbol of tradition. The second jewel is known for its unique celebratory customs; one of the most iconic traditions is the painting of the iconic “Old Hilltop” weather vane in the colors of the winning horse’s silks.
The Preakness Stakes is also a major event for bettors, who have been placing bets on the race for over a century. With the rise of online betting, wagering on the Preakness Stakes has never been more convenient. Bettors can easily compare odds from the best online racebooks in one place and take advantage of exciting bonuses and betting promotions on offer no matter where they are.
Preakness Stakes FAQs
How do I place a bet on the Preakness?
It is easy to get in on the betting action for the Preakness Stakes. Simply register at one of the top-rated online horse betting sites and make your initial deposit. Then, just fill out your bet slip.
How often does the favorite win the Preakness?
Favorites have won the Preakness Stakes about 50% of the time historically, making it more predictable than the Kentucky Derby. However, upsets still happen, so it’s important to consider factors like form, post position and track conditions before betting solely on the favorite.
How many horses are in the Preakness?
The racetrack at Pimlico can run up to 14 horses. For the 2024 Preakness Stakes, eight horses took the field.
Can any horse enter the Preakness?
Eligibility to run is determined by earnings in past races throughout a horse’s career. Automatic qualification is given to the winners of the Kentucky Derby, Federico Tesio Stakes, Oaklawn Invitational and the El Camino Real Derby.
Has a female horse won the Preakness?
Since 1873, only six fillies have won the Preakness, with the most recent one taking place at the October 2020 race at Pimlico; Swiss Skydiver finished with a time of 1:53.28 and took a purse of $1,050,000.
Is Preakness bigger than Kentucky Derby?
The Pimlico Race Course is 9.5 furlongs, which puts it at just one-sixteenth of a mile shorter than the Kentucky Derby, which takes place at Churchill Downs.
