The 150th Preakness Stakes: Top Exotic Bets and Picks for 2025
The field is officially set for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, taking place this Saturday at Pimlico Race Course. With just nine horses in the field, bettors have a solid opportunity to cash in on exotic wagers like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas—especially with shorter odds than seen in the Kentucky Derby. Below, we’ll break down the top contenders, betting angles, and recommended exotic bets.
Last year’s winner, Seize the Grey, took home the second jewel in the Triple Crown, paying $21.60 on a $2 win wager. However, it was the exotic bets that delivered the biggest returns.
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won’t be competing this time, as his connections decided to skip the Preakness to rest the colt following a historic victory for Godolphin. Still, fans are in for an exciting race with a competitive field chasing a share of the $2 million purse.
Field for the 150th Preakness Stakes
Here’s a look at the nine-horse lineup, including post positions, jockeys, trainers, and morning line odds:
1. Goal Oriented – Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert (6-1)
2. Journalism – Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy (8-5)
3. American Promise – Nik Juarez, D. Wayne Lukas (15-1)
4. Heart of Honor – Saffie Osborne, Jamie Osborne (12-1)
5. Pay Billy – Raul Mena, Michael Gorham (20-1)
6. River Thames – Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher (9-2)
7. Sandman – John Velazquez, Mark Casse (4-1)
8. Clever Again – Jose Ortiz, Steve Asmussen (5-1)
9. Gosger – Luis Saez, Brendan Walsh (20-1)
The Preakness Stakes is the shortest leg of the Triple Crown at 1 3/16 miles. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert has won this race eight times, and D. Wayne Lukas could tie that record with a win at age 89.
Exotic Betting Insights
Journalism enters as the morning line favorite after a strong effort in the Derby, where he held the lead in the final stretch. He’s won four out of six starts but now faces the challenge of a quick turnaround.
River Thames, on the other hand, skipped the Derby in favor of a rested run at the Preakness. Trained by Todd Pletcher—who has yet to win a Preakness despite an accomplished career—River Thames is primed for a strong showing.
Another name to watch is Goal Oriented from post 1. Trained by Bob Baffert, this undefeated colt will make his stakes debut and could be dangerous if he grabs an early lead.
Clever Again is another contender worth including in exotics. Sired by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and trained by North America’s winningest trainer Steve Asmussen, this colt has won two of his three starts, including a commanding Hot Springs Stakes victory.
Exacta Wagers
Given the Derby’s wear and tear, it’s fair to question whether Journalism can hang on late in the Preakness. That said, I recommend these exacta combinations:
– 6-2 (River Thames over Journalism)
– 8-2 (Clever Again over Journalism)
Trifecta and Superfecta Picks
There’s significant earning potential with trifectas and superfectas. Consider these combinations:
– Trifectas: 6-2-8 and 1-6-2
– Superfecta (boxed): 1-2-6-8
Note: Sandman has been left off these exotic combinations. Though talented, he may not have the closing speed in this shorter race given the quick turnaround from the Derby.
Multi-Race Exotic Opportunities
Saturday at Pimlico features a full day of racing, making it a great chance to get involved in Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 wagers. Key races to monitor include:
– UAE President Cup (Arabian) Stakes
– Sir Barton Stakes
– Chick Lang Stakes
– Maryland Sprint Stakes
– Skipat Stakes
– James W. Murphy Stakes
– Gallorette Stakes
– Dinner Party Stakes
– Jim McKay Turf Sprint
Looking Back: 2024 Preakness Exotic Payouts
To give bettors an idea of potential returns, here’s what exotic bet payouts looked like from last year’s Preakness:
Top 3 Finishers:
1. Seize the Grey (9-1)
2. Mystik Dan (5-2)
3.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com