The big news ahead of this weekend’s Preakness Stakes is that there will be no Triple Crown winner this year. That’s because Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not line up for the second leg of the three races that make up the prestigious Triple Crown of US horse racing. The three-year-old thoroughbred finished ahead of 18 other horses on a muddy track at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 3 but will not be looking to repeat the feat at the Pimlico Race Course on Saturday. Instead, Sovereignty will be rested, so the horse can be better prepared for the Belmont Stakes later this month. It means there is now an open field of nine horses all hoping to win the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. How to watch The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, with the big race set to start at 6:50 p.m. ET. Those without a ticket will be able to watch live on NBC Sports and Peacock. The race will once again be held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Horses to keep an eye on Many of the favorites of this year’s Kentucky Derby are once again in the running on Saturday and won’t have to contest with Sovereignty this time around. Therefore, Journalism – trained by Michael McCarthy – is likely to start the race with the shortest odds. The horse went into the Derby off the back of three consecutive wins and was just edged out by Sovereignty during a sprint finish in Kentucky. Despite finishing second, Journalism ran a big race and will likely be the one to beat on Saturday. Even legendary trainer Bob Baffert agrees. “He should be the favorite,” said Baffert, who has won the Preakness a record eight times, per the Associated Press. “Watching him run and chasing him, he ran a great Derby … usually, a horse with a good Derby form will run well in the Preakness.” Baffert, who returned to the Derby for the first time since 2021 following his ban, has his own runner in the Preakness and will hope Goal Oriented can win him an unprecedented ninth title. Another notable mention ahead of Saturday is Sandman, a horse that finished seventh in the Derby. The three-year-old’s name is a nod to Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman” and the group publicly supported the horse ahead of the Derby. Sandman will likely start the Preakness as second favorite behind Journalism, and shareholder Griffin Johnson is expecting the horse to improve on its Derby showing. “With the talent that he has, he had the potential to run a little bit better,” he said, per AP. “The mud wasn’t great, and we just are going to do our best coming up.” This is the fifth time in the last seven years that the Derby winner hasn’t bid to win the Triple Crown, per AP. The last horse to complete the achievement was Justify in 2018. Full odds for horses Below are the official betting odds for this year’s Preakness Stakes. Goal Oriented (6-1) Journalism (8-5) American Promise (15-1) Heart of Honor (12-1) Pay Billy (20-1) River Thames (9-2) Sandman (4-1) Clever Again (5-1) Gosger (20-1)
2025 Preakness Stakes: How to watch and everything you need to know
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Preakness Stakes 2025 Preview: Key Horses and Viewing Information"
CNN
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
This year's Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, will notably not feature a Triple Crown contender. Sovereignty, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, has opted out of the Preakness to focus on preparing for the upcoming Belmont Stakes. This decision leaves an open field of nine horses vying for victory in the prestigious race, marking the fifth time in the last seven years that the Derby winner has not participated in the Preakness. The race is set to start at 6:50 p.m. ET, and fans without tickets can catch the live broadcast on NBC Sports and Peacock. With Sovereignty absent, the competition is wide open, and several horses who were strong contenders in the Derby are back for another chance at glory.
Among the favorites is Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, who finished a close second to Sovereignty in the Derby after a strong performance. Many experts believe Journalism will take the lead in betting odds, with legendary trainer Bob Baffert endorsing him as the horse to beat. Baffert, who has a chance to win his ninth Preakness title with his entry Goal Oriented, praised Journalism's Derby run and expressed confidence in his ability to perform well in the Preakness. Another horse to watch is Sandman, who finished seventh in the Derby and is expected to improve in this race. The odds for the Preakness Stakes have been released, with Journalism at 8-5 odds, followed by Sandman at 4-1, and Goal Oriented at 6-1. As the excitement builds for this 150th running of the Preakness, all eyes are on the contenders aiming to claim the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insight into the upcoming Preakness Stakes, emphasizing the absence of a Triple Crown winner this year due to the Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty not participating. This sets a different tone for the race, with an open field of competitors and a focus on the favorites.
Purpose of the Article
The primary goal seems to be to inform the audience about the key details of the Preakness Stakes and to build excitement around the event. The mention of Sovereignty's absence serves to create a narrative that heightens the competitive atmosphere, making it more intriguing for viewers and potential bettors.
Public Sentiment
The article may encourage a sense of anticipation and excitement among horse racing fans. By highlighting the favorites and their previous performances, it aims to engage readers who might be interested in betting or simply following the race.
Omissions or Hidden Information
There does not appear to be any significant information being obscured in the article. However, the focus on certain horses and trainers might downplay other potential contenders, which could skew public perception of the race dynamics.
Manipulation Rate
The article does not exhibit overt manipulation but does guide the audience toward particular favorites, possibly influencing betting behavior. The language used is straightforward and lacks sensationalism, which contributes to its credibility.
Truthfulness of the Content
The information seems accurate and aligns with known events in the horse racing circuit. Key details, such as race times and the absence of a Triple Crown contender, are factual and verifiable.
Societal Perception
The article paints a picture of a competitive landscape in horse racing, potentially enhancing interest in equestrian sports. It implies that the Preakness Stakes is a significant event, thereby drawing attention from broader audiences.
Connections to Other News
While the article focuses specifically on the Preakness Stakes, it could be linked to broader discussions in sports news, particularly related to major racing events or gambling trends.
Industry Image
NBC Sports and Peacock’s coverage of the event positions them as prominent players in sports broadcasting, reinforcing their commitment to high-profile events.
Potential Impact on Society and Economy
The Preakness Stakes can influence local economies, especially in Baltimore, through tourism and betting activities. The outcome may also affect the horse racing industry, including breeding and training activities.
Targeting Specific Communities
The article is likely to resonate with horse racing enthusiasts, bettors, and sports fans. It captures the interest of those who follow racing events closely and those who enjoy the thrill of competition.
Market Impact
This coverage may influence betting markets, particularly for stocks related to gambling or horse racing, like sportsbooks. Companies in the entertainment and media sectors may also see engagement spikes due to increased interest in the event.
Geopolitical Relevance
There is no direct geopolitical significance to this article; however, it reflects cultural aspects of American sports and entertainment, which can have broader implications in societal discussions.
Use of AI in Article Writing
The structured nature of the article suggests possible use of AI tools for drafting. While the content appears standard for sports journalism, AI could have influenced the organization and language, ensuring clarity and engagement. The focus on key figures and events can be indicative of AI-driven trends in reporting.
In conclusion, the article successfully conveys essential information about the Preakness Stakes while fostering excitement among readers. Its reliability is supported by factual content and clear presentation, although it does subtly guide audience focus toward specific horses and trainers.