Preakness Stakes Odds & Expert Picks: Bet On Bob Baffert’s Goal Oriented Over Journalism?
With the post positions set and race-week betting lines beginning to shift, the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is nearing. Baltimore’s most-anticipated horse race of the calendar year will be the last at Pimlico Race Course, starting at approximately 7:01 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17, for the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Let’s break down the Preakness Stakes odds, with help from veteran handicapper Mike Wilkening. Last year, Wilkening helped us cash in with Mystik Dan.
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2025 Preakness Stakes Odds: Post Position & Morning-Line Betting
| Post Position | Horse | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Goal Oriented | 6-1 |
| 2. | Journalism | 8-5 |
| 3. | American Promise | 15-1 |
| 4. | Heart of Honor | 12-1 |
| 5. | Pay Billy | 20-1 |
| 6. | River Thames | 9-2 |
| 7. | Sandman | 4-1 |
| 8. | Clever Again | 5-1 |
| 9. | Gosger | 20-1 |
Preakness Stakes Odds: Key To Handicapping
Unlike the 2024 Preakness Stakes, Wilkening isn’t anticipating a pace meltdown, which refers to two or more front-running horses jockeying for an early lead and wearing one another out. He’s expecting a fast track, with conditions projected to dry out on Saturday night if the weather takes a turn for the worse earlier in the day. Historically, horses positioned near the lead from the get-go have a notable advantage. During the last 15 years, the victor was close to the early pace 14 times.
Although American Promise, River Thames, and Gosger all possess speed, Goal Oriented and Clever Again exhibit an edge in this regard.
Is Journalism (8-5) Rightfully Favored?
This year’s Kentucky Derby runner-up fell short of Sovereignty, with the latter unable to compete in the Preakness. Drawing the second post with speed to his inside, Wilkening believes Journalism boasts the best form in this field, more than capable of managing a fast or slow pace and still winning via his tactical speed, agility, and stamina. While there’s concern that a two-week turnaround could negatively impact the Santa Anita Derby champ, particularly with his effort, Wilkening won’t hesitate to throw him in his exotic wagers.
“You have to put yourself in the shoes of the connections with Journalism,” Wilkening said. “They wouldn’t have any reason to rush him back unless he’s ready to deliver another strong performance. I have to trust that sentiment. My first impression was that he would open closer to 7-5 (among the morning-line odds). He might close at touch shorter at that number or something of that nature.”
Bet On Goal Oriented (6-1) Among Preakness Stakes Odds
As noted, this well-rested colt boasts plenty of speed and upside on the track. Goal Oriented is set for his third-career outing and has already demonstrated his potential to win on the lead and from off the pace. Unlike Clever Again, he failed to show improvement with his Beyer Speed Figure before competing against a loaded field with jockey Flavien Prat, who won the Preakness in 2021. However, Wilkening doesn’t think bettors should discount an undefeated Bob Baffert runner, with the Hall-of-Fame trainer vying for his ninth Preakness Stakes victory.
Elsewhere, Wilkening believes Sandman, the Arkansas Derby (G1) winner, will rebound after a disappointing performance on the sloppy track at Churchill Downs. In fact, he fancies Sandman in exotics, referencing how he’ll benefit from the shorter track by 1/16th of a mile.
“I see some folks standing against him because of his short price (4-1),” Wilkening said. “I’d agree with that sentiment on the win end, but he’s got a great shot at hitting the board.”
From all of us at Lineups, good luck with your bets on Preakness Stakes odds!
