The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown in US thoroughbred racing, where horses of the highest quality compete for a $2 million prize fund. However, the favourites don’t always win, making Preakness Stakes betting an exciting and challenging experience. Last edition saw 15/1 shot Seize the Grey upset the odds in a thrilling victory. Read on to discover more about this year’s event.
- 1 Upcoming Events
- 2 Preakness Stakes Ante-Post Betting Odds
- 3 Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
- 4 How We Select Our Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
- 5 Preakness Stakes Jockey & Trainer Stats
- 6 Pimlico Racecourse Tips
- 7 Best Preakness Stakes Betting Sites
- 8 Most Popular Preakness Stakes Betting Markets
- 9 Preakness Stakes Facts & Key Stats
- 10 Additional Horse Racing Articles
- 11 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 12 Preakness Stakes Betting FAQs
Upcoming Events
Preakness Stakes Ante-Post Betting Odds
Check out the ante-post odds for the 2025 Preakness Stakes.
Horse | Odds* | Bookmaker |
---|---|---|
Journalism | 1/1 | Unibet |
River Thames | 11/2 | bet365 |
Sandman | 7/1 | bet365 |
Clever Again | 7/1 | Unibet |
Goal Orientated | 8/1 | bet365 |
American Promise | 20/1 | Unibet |
Gosger | 25/1 | bet365 |
Heart of Honor | 25/1 | Unibet |
Pay Billy | 66/1 | bet365 |
*Odds correct as of 14/05/2025 at 14:00. Odds subject to change.
Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
Analysing data from the season so far, assessing the odds and researching the strengths and weaknesses of horses, jockeys and trainers, allowed us to come up with our tips for the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Have a look:
Journalism to win: Evens with Unibet
Journalism has two wins from three in 2025 and four wins from six since October 2024. He had to settle for second place behind Sovereignty at the Kentucky Derby. The Derby winner is not in the line up at Pimlico and Journalism – who was favourite at Churchill Downs – is cited as the horse to beat. Trainer Michael W. McCarthy, who was the winning trainer in 2021, appears to be aiming to peak for the Triple Crown races, so Journalism could be a good bet to win at the Preakness Stakes. He performed well at Santa Anita Park, which is a good sign, especially if the weather stays dry.
Sandman: A good each-way bet 7/1 bet365
Sandman could be a good value each-way bet at the Preakness Stakes. Prior to a disappointing seventh in the Derby he had a win, a second and a third from three races this year. We are tipping him to find form again at Pimlico. His trainer, Mark E. Casse, has tasted success at both the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, so is no stranger to success in Triple Crown events. Sandman likes to come through the field, which means a win could be a big ask, but if he can stay in touch early on, we think he will make a charge to the places.
Goal Orientated Each-way: Bob Baffert horse could be up there 8/1 bet365
Bob Baffert, who holds the record for the number of wins by a trainer at the Preakness Stakes, has been making a steady start to the season. He has raced his horses sparingly and his only runner in the Derby, Citizen Bull, disappointed.
Baffert has a late developer in the relatively untested Goal Orientated. He didn’t debut until April and is unbeaten in two starts. We think that he will come good in the Preakness and his price makes him a good each-way shout.
How We Select Our Preakness Stakes Betting Tips
To come up with our betting tips for the Preakness Stakes, we looked at all the relevant stats and data available. We considered the performances from the horses, the trainers and the jockeys over the season, specifically the following factors.
All the horses in the Preakness Stakes are three-year old thoroughbreds, so, while age can be a big factor in horse racing, it is irrelevant here. Each horse will have competed a limited number of times, so performances must be studied.
This is a Grade 1 race, so experience at the top level is important. Horses who have performed well in previous top-tier races can have an advantage. The Kentucky Derby can be a good indication.
The distance is 9.5 furlongs, and the winning time is usually between 1.53 and 1.56. So, look at horses who have performed well over that distance and who can produce that sort of time on a dirt track.
Look at how a horse has been performing recently. Obviously, victories and consistent places are a big factor. However, looking at the results of the Kentucky Derby are a good indication, plus, a horse who has been racing well since the start of the season might not hold that form. Look for a horse who has started steadily and is hitting form leading up to the race.
It might be a blast over 9.5 furlongs on the flat, but a dirt track can change dramatically, especially after rain. Horses who can perform on fast and heavy tracks are more likely to run to form.
Weather conditions can have a big effect on horse racing. The dirt track can become heavy or slippery after rain and some horses perform better than others in higher temperatures. This must be considered when looking over Preakness Stakes tips.
Preakness Stakes Jockey & Trainer Stats
Trainer and jockey form is a huge consideration when betting on horse racing. Looking at successful trainer/jockey combos and the form of individual trainers and jockeys alongside the horses is a great metric to use when preparing your Preakness betting strategy.
Training racehorses and getting the best out of them on race day is all about developing a system that works, including nutrition, schedule, facilities and recovery. Jockeys are very much part of this, and the most successful trainers work with jockeys who can get the best out of their horses.
Hoping to provide you with the best value, we’ve gathered the top performing trainers and jockeys of the flat racing season in North America.
Top10 Trainers in US Horse Racing
Trainer | Starts | Wins | Places | Shows | Win % | WPS % | Earnings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brad H Cox | 388 | 99 | 82 | 44 | 27% | 65% | $11,318,181 |
2 | Steven M. Amussen | 918 | 122 | 123 | 111 | 13% | 39% | $10,226,755 |
3 | Saffie A. Joseph Jr | 396 | 77 | 64 | 74 | 19% | 54% | $7,296,659 |
4 | Chad C. Brown | 281 | 65 | 51 | 60 | 23% | 63% | $7,029,245 |
5 | Mark E. Casse | 415 | 57 | 63 | 43 | 14% | 39% | $6,472,553 |
6 | William I. Mott | 215 | 36 | 33 | 23 | 17% | 43% | $6,238,935 |
7 | Todd A. Pletcher | 281 | 59 | 44 | 37 | 21% | 50% | $6,119,567 |
8 | Michael J. Maker | 436 | 70 | 64 | 60 | 16% | 44% | $4,632,795 |
9 | Bob Baffert | 109 | 35 | 28 | 12 | 32% | 69% | $4,365,600 |
10 | Kenneth G. McPeek | 257 | 39 | 37 | 37 | 15% | 44% | $4,360,332 |
Top10 Jockeys in US Horse Racing
Jockey | Starts | Wins | Shows | Places | Win % | WPS % | Earnings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Flavian Prat | 362 | 98 | 74 | 49 | 27% | 61% | $11,531,988 |
2 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 557 | 113 | 114 | 78 | 20% | 55% | $11, 077,359 |
3 | Jose L. Ortiz | 461 | 111 | 71 | 67 | 24% | 54% | $9,700,417 |
4 | Luis Saez | 565 | 103 | 97 | 82 | 18% | 50% | $9,575,928 |
5 | Manuel Franco | 441 | 95 | 84 | 82 | 22% | 59% | $7,388,956 |
6 | Junior Alvarado | 274 | 43 | 47 | 27 | 16% | 43% | $6,177,723 |
7 | Dylan Davies | 447 | 72 | 62 | 66 | 16% | 45% | $5,093,728 |
8 | John R. Velezquez | 281 | 34 | 42 | 37 | 12% | 40% | $5,056,544 |
9 | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. | 282 | 45 | 39 | 33 | 16% | 41% | $4,960,375 |
10 | Juan J. Hernandez | 280 | 68 | 51 | 32 | 24% | 54% | $4,911,584 |
Preakness Stakes Latest Trends
Upon analysing several sets of data, we have come up with some observations and stats to help you make your Preakness Stakes picks.
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Front runners have an advantage: Six of the last 16 (37.5%) Preakness Stakes winners were leading after half a mile. A further four were in the top three. Unless a horse is exceptional on the bends, they need to get out early. So, horses with the leg speed to get up there early on are the ones to look at.
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Bob Baffert is the trainer to watch: Since 1997, Bob Baffert has won the Preakness eight times, more than any other trainer. His first seven Preakness winners exited the Kentucky Derby, including five horses who won both races and two – American Pharoah and Justify – who won the Triple Crown. Backing Baffert could be a winning Preakness betting strategy!
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Previous Grade 1 winners stand a better chance: 17 from the last 28 Preakness Stakes winners had a Grade 1 victory under their belt prior to the Pimlico showpiece.
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Outsiders can upset the odds: The Preakness stakes traditionally produced less upsets than the Kentucky Derby. However, the tide is turning. Last year’s race was won by Seize the Grey, a 15/1 shot, and since 2006 there have been six other victors at 10/1 or greater.
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Wins by fillies possible, but rare: Only six fillies have triumphed at the Preakness Stakes.
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Derby winners not unbeatable: Seven winners of the Kentucky Derby have gone on to triumph in the second leg of the Triple Crown at Pimlico. The Derby is a good indication of form and of who might be a contender, but picking the winner is not necessarily a smart strategy. The odds will be shorter and seven from 25 is not a good enough ratio to justify this.
Recent Preakness Stakes Winners
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance | Time | Prize Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Seize the Grey | Jaime A. Torres | D. Wayne Lukas | MyRacehorse | 13⁄16 | 1.56.82 | $2,000,000 |
2023 | National Treasure | John R. Valazquez | Bob Baffert | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Masterson, Robert E., Stonestreet Stables LLC, Schoenfarber, Jay A., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | 13⁄16 | 1.55.12 | $1,650,000 |
2022 | Early Voting | Jose Ortiz | Chad Brown | Klaravich Stables | 13⁄16 | 1.54.54 | $1,500,000 |
2021 | Rombauer | Flavian Prat | Michael W. McCarthy | Diane Fradkin & John Fradkin | 13⁄16 | 1.53.63 | $1,000,000 |
2020 | Swiss Skydiver (Filly) | Robby Albarado | Kenneth McPeek | Peter J. Callahan | 13⁄16 | 1.53.28 | $1,050,000 |
2019 | War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | Mark E. Casse | Gary Barber | 13⁄16 | 1.54.34 | $1,500,000 |
2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | WinStar Farm & China Horse Club | 13⁄16 | 1.55.93 | $1,500,000 |
2017 | Cloud Computing | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown | Klaravich Stables & William Lawrence | 13⁄16 | 1.55.98 | $1,500,000 |
2016 | Exaggerator | Kent Desormeaux | J. Keith Desormeaux | Big Chief Racing, Head of Plains Partners, Rocker O Ranch & J. Keith Desormeaux | 13⁄16 | 1.58.31 | $1,500,000 |
2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables, LLC | 13⁄16 | 1.58.46 | $1,500,000 |
2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza | Art Sherman | Steve Coburn & Perry Martin | 13⁄16 | 1.54.84 | $1,500,000 |
Pimlico Racecourse Tips
Most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes, Pimlico Racecourse has a one-mile dirt oval, surrounding a seven-furlong (7/8 mile) turf oval. The diameter of the turns is 828 feet. However, because Pimlico’s turns are not as banked as many other racecourses, these turns can feel tighter, so jockeys and horses who wish to succeed in the Preakness must be able to handle this.
The track is also narrow, making the outside rail seem much closer. Some jockeys find this difficult, so adaptable riders who can keep a clear head are important for success here.
On a flatter, wider track, horses cannot be as aggressive on the turns, therefore, horses who can get out early and hold a lead may have an advantage. Seize the Grey, in 2024, was a good example of this.
However, horses and jockeys who can handle tighter turns can also be very successful. Rombauer charged through from sixth place to win, in 2022, while War of Will (2019) and Swiss Skydiver (2020) also came from behind.
The dirt surface can become heavy with rain. In 2024, Seize the Grey coped brilliantly with a muddy course, leading from start to finish to upset the odds and leave the favourite, Mystik Dan, in second place.
Best Preakness Stakes Betting Sites
Check out why we believe the following to be the best Preakness Stakes betting sites and the most relevant characteristics from each of these online bookies.
Founded:
1997
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(8):
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses 18+ New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
2000
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(11):
Bet £10 & Get £30 18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1926
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(8):
Bet £5 Get £20 18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1886
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(9):
Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1967
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(7):
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets 18+ New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1999
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(6):
Bet £10, Get up to £60 in Free Bets 18+ Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1946
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(6):
Bet £10 Get £30 18+ Opt in. Bet £10 or more on any Horse Racing market at minimum odds of 1/1 within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Horse Racing Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
2019
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(10):
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets 18+ New UK customers only. Min £10 deposit via Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 to get a £10 Football Bet Builder token on settlement. The rest will follow over the next 48 hours. Min 3 legs required. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
1994
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(4):
Bet £10 & Get £50 in Bonuses 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. Get 4x£10 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, to withdraw max £250. Rewards expire in 10 days. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Founded:
2006
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods(7):
Up to £30 Matched Free Bet if your First Acca Loses + 100 Free Spins + £30 Uber Eats Voucher 18+ New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Earn a £30 Uber Eats Voucher on successful Acca qualification. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Unibet - Superb for US Racing
Christopher - Unibet covers horse racing in the United States seemingly, featuring livestreams when broadcast rights allow so. They present their ante post odds promptly, and if we combine this with a slick, easy to use website, it’s understandable why they are our chosen betting site for the Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes Betting Sites With Livestreaming
Sky Sports holds the rights to the US Triple Crown. Due to this, you won’t be able to access the Preakness Stakes on any of the usual livestreaming betting sites. Should you want to follow the action live, you will need a subscription, or you’ll have to find a bar showing the race.
Most Popular Preakness Stakes Betting Markets
Considering that this is the second leg of the prestigious US Triple Crown, there are plenty of markets available for Preakness Stakes betting. We have identified the most popular ones for the big race.
A winner bet is a wager placed on the outcome of the race. So, you are simply placing a punt on which horse you think will win the Preakness Stakes. When picking your selection, remember that you will only get your money if your horse is first past the post. A good performance and second place will get you nothing with this type of bet!
Each-way bets consist of two parts. The first part of the bet is a wager on your pick to win. The second part of the bet is a place bet where your horse can finish in the designated places. Traditionally, this would mean ¼ of the odds for a horse to finish in the top three. These days, for big races such as the Preakness Stakes, online bookmakers will often run promotions offering extra places for each-way bets. So, keep a lookout for these offers. If you are convinced a horse will run well but know that it is up against some equally good horses, then this could be the market to go for.
Forecast bets are wagers where you pick two selections in a race to come 1st and 2nd, in this exact order. The amount that the forecast pays is announced after the race, according to the official industry forecast return and pays to the pound – so it's important to remain patient until this announcement is made.
Tricast bets are commonplace in horse racing and work in the same way as forecasts, but with three horses rather than two. This is harder to predict, so you will get longer odds, but landing a bet such as this one, in a high-quality race, is far from easy.
Exclusive Preakness Stakes Betting Offers

Preakness Stakes Facts & Key Stats
Additional Horse Racing Articles
ThePuntersPage Final Say
We have provided you with some early insights into this year’s Preakness Stakes betting and hopefully this will help you make your Pimlico picks. Remember to look at how trainers and jockeys are performing and keep an eye on the horses that can get to the front fast and hang on.
Preakness Stakes Betting FAQs
Unibet, bet365 and Coral are the best three betting sites for the Preakness Stakes.
Favourites will often be there or thereabouts, however, in recent years, several horses at 10/1 or greater have won. Research trainers, jockeys and horses who can get up to the front early and hang on and use this information alongside the odds and recent form. Research is key.
An ante-post bet at the Preakness Stakes is a wager made in advance of the event. Anything before race day is classified as ante-post. The advantage to betting ante-post is that the odds are usually higher, but the negative is that you lose your stake if they don’t run. Some bookmakers, for example Coral and bet365, offer non-runner no-bet (NRNB) insurance to cover this.
Look no further than our own Preakness Stakes betting tips. Our team spend weeks analysing the form, looking at potential selections and then presenting our thoughts.
Yes, you can use free bets to bet on any horse race unless stated.
You can get the best Preakness Stakes betting offers right here. We will highlight the best promos from the UK’s top bookmakers and list them accordingly.