The 2025 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course will feature a nine-horse field, including three Kentucky Derby runners and six new contenders. The shorter 1 3/16-mile distance compared to the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile could change the dynamics, particularly favoring horses with strong early speed.
Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, opens as the 8-5 favorite. Undefeated at distances between one mile and 1 1/8 miles, Journalism appears well-suited for the Preakness trip. However, SportsLine expert Gene Menez is advising caution. Despite Journalism’s talent, Menez believes the lack of experience among his connections—trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli—makes him a risk at low odds.
Menez is no stranger to hitting big on major races. He predicted Super Saver in the 2010 Kentucky Derby and cashed in on the Derby superfecta in 2015. Most recently, he hit the exacta and trifecta at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, yielding a $1,045 payout. His Preakness analysis is highly anticipated. Learn more news visit our Website. 
Instead of backing Journalism, Menez suggests looking at other top contenders like Sandman (4-1), River Thames (9-5), and Clever Again (5-1), all with proven stakes success. He’s particularly intrigued by a longshot whom he describes as “fast, sharp, in form, and training well.” This under-the-radar horse could offer tremendous betting value in a competitive field.
Another key point Menez emphasizes is the short two-week turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness. “Modern horses aren’t bred or trained to run back in two weeks,” he notes. That’s an important factor to consider, especially when backing a Derby horse like Journalism.
For bettors, Menez’s advice is to avoid low-value favorites and seek out horses with favorable form, training reports, and connections. He has shared his exact bets, including win, place, and exotic wagers, exclusively at SportsLine.
With a competitive field and major implications for the Triple Crown, the 2025 Preakness Stakes promises excitement—and potential profit for those following expert strategy.
