The 150th Running of the Preakness Stakes: Top Exotic Bets and Picks
The stage is set for the milestone 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course this Saturday. With a field of nine horses, this year’s race offers exciting wagering opportunities—especially through exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders, odds, and betting strategies to consider.
2024 marked a memorable Preakness, with Seize the Grey pulling off the victory and paying out $21.60 on a $2 win bet. But the big money came from exotic wagers. With a smaller field than the Kentucky Derby, bettors have an improved chance of landing complex bets like trifectas and superfectas.
While Sovereignty claimed victory in the Kentucky Derby, his connections have chosen not to pursue the Triple Crown, citing the tight turnaround. The absence of the Derby winner opens the door for a competitive group of thoroughbreds gunning for the $2 million purse.
Post Positions, Horses, Jockeys, and Trainers
Here’s a look at the full lineup for the 150th Preakness Stakes, featuring 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)
At 1 3/16 miles, the Preakness is the shortest leg of the Triple Crown. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert seeks his ninth Preakness victory, while veteran D. Wayne Lukas—at 89—aims to tie Baffert’s current record.
All eyes are on Journalism, the early favorite after an impressive showing in the Kentucky Derby, where he led in the stretch before falling short. You can track updated odds through various betting platforms throughout the week.
Preakness Exotic Bet Options to Consider
Journalism has won four of his six career starts, but Kentucky Derby participants often face challenges due to the quick two-week turnaround. That opens the door for fresh contenders.
River Thames, for example, qualified for the Derby but was deliberately rested for the Preakness. With WinStar Farm’s backing and Todd Pletcher as trainer—who has yet to capture a Preakness title—this colt could be a strong finisher.
Goal Oriented, trained by Baffert, is another intriguing option. He’s undefeated so far, but this will be his first stakes-level test. Expect him to break fast from the inside post and push for an early lead—something that could play into Baffert’s hands.
These horses will be part of our exotic betting combinations, which provide better payout opportunities than straight win bets.
Top Exacta Picks
The exacta bet involves picking the top two finishers in the correct order. Can Journalism endure a short rest and still come out on top? Several lightly raced horses are poised to challenge.
I’m backing the following exactas:
– 6–2 (River Thames over Journalism)
– 8–2 (Clever Again over Journalism)
Clever Again brings royalty to the race—he’s sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and trained by Steve Asmussen, North America’s winningest trainer. He’s won two of his three starts, including a dominant performance in the Hot Springs Stakes.
Trifecta and Superfecta Plays
For higher payouts, trifectas and superfectas are the way to go. A trifecta requires the top three finishers in exact order; a superfecta calls for the top four.
Trifecta picks:
– 6–2–8 (River Thames, Journalism, Clever Again)
– 1–6–2 (Goal Oriented, River Thames, Journalism)
Superfecta (boxed so horses can finish in any order):
– 1–2–6–8 (Goal Oriented, Journalism, River Thames, Clever Again)
Why no Sandman? The colt is talented but may struggle to close fast enough in this shorter race, especially after competing just two weeks ago.
Multi-Race Wagers at Pimlico
Preakness Day hosts a full card of races. Bettors looking
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com