Journalism: The Favorite to Beat

Journalism has been a fan favorite since the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up. With 8-5 odds, Journalism is the frontrunner for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, and for good reason. His consistency and strong showing in the Derby give him a solid chance of securing his first Triple Crown victory in the Preakness. Umberto Rispoli, his jockey, is well-known for his skill, and their combination could prove to be a formidable one.

Sandman: The Crowd Favorite

Another horse that has captured the attention of fans is Sandman, trained by Todd Pletcher. With odds of 4-1, Sandman has shown promise throughout his career and has the ability to challenge for the lead in the 2025 Preakness. His John Velazquez-ridden performance will be a key factor in determining whether Sandman can take the victory on race day.

Clever Again: A Surprising Longshot

Perhaps the most intriguing horse in the field is Clever Again, who enters the race with 5-1 odds. While he is relatively inexperienced compared to some of the other runners, his pedigree and recent form suggest that he could be a dark horse to watch. Trained by Steve Asmussen, a Hall of Fame trainer, and sired by the legendary American Pharoah, Clever Again has been impressive in his two starts this year, including a victory in the Hot Springs Stakes. Despite being a bit of an underdog, many expert analysts, including Demling, see him as a mid-tier option that could surprise on race day.

The Expert’s Take: Demling’s Predictions

Demling, a fixture in the horse racing world, has consistently hit the mark in his Preakness predictions, including hitting the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness Stakes. Known for accurately picking the Kentucky Derby top three finishers, Demling has predicted 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners. This year, he’s particularly excited about Clever Again. Despite his 5-1 odds, Demling believes the horse’s impressive breeding and winning form make him a strong contender.