For several days, it appeared this year’s 150^th Preakness might be a bland affair lacking star power and high-end horses.

But in later days Kentucky Derby favorite and runner-up Journalism got off the fence and into the action, while Sandman, initially thought to be a no-show, also came in.

Now we’ve got an intriguing match-up that includes the top two betting choices from the Run for the Roses, a D. Wayne Lukas runner (of course), and some new shooters that could cause trouble for the Derby horses. Here’s the lineup.

1. Goal Oriented (6-1)

Post Position: 1
Color/Sex: Dark bay or brown colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Not This Time – Bizzy Caroline – Afleet Alex
Owner: SF Racing et al.
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 places, 0 shows
Earnings: $111,960
Typical Running Style: Speed
Last Raced: May 3, 2025 – Allowance – Won by ¾ lengths
Note: Big jump up from allowance company
Quote: “He’s really come into himself. The race the other day, he won that with so much to spare.” – Bob Baffert

Goal Oriented (6-1) takes a big step up from the allowance ranks after a solid win on Kentucky Derby Day, where he controlled the pace and had enough left in reserve. The undefeated colt is trained by Bob Baffert, who is never shy about entering talented but lightly raced runners in big spots. With Flavien Prat aboard and natural early speed, he’ll look to make his presence known early from the rail. Though untested against top competition, he brings upside and momentum into his stakes debut.

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2. Journalism (8-5)

Post Position: 2
Color/Sex: Bay colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Curlin – Mopotism – Uncle Mo
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners et al.
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 place, 1 show
Earnings: $1,638,880
Typical Running Style: Mid-pack
Last Raced: May 3, 2025 – Kentucky Derby – Second by 1½ lengths
Note: Runner-up as favorite in Kentucky Derby, snapping 4-race win streak
Quote: “He’s had a couple of good mornings since I’ve been [at Churchil. Downs]. Very pleased what I’ve seen so far. He’s a horse that’s doing well. He’s thriving in his environment.”— Michael McCarthy

Journalism (8-5) comes into the Preakness as the likely favorite after finishing a strong second in the Kentucky Derby, where he closed from mid-pack and had a head in front but couldn’t hold off the winner. The Curlin colt had won four straight races heading into Churchill Downs and was bet like a standout on Derby Day. Trained by Michael McCarthy and piloted again by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism brings class, consistency, and a versatile running style to Baltimore, aiming to get back to his winning ways.

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3. American Promise (15-1)

Post Position: 3
Color/Sex: Chestnut colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Justify – Tapella – Tapit
Owner: BC Stables LLC
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Record: 10 starts: 2 wins, 1 place, 1 show
Earnings: $444,874
Typical Running Style: Speed-press
Last Raced: May 3, 2025 – Kentucky Derby – 16th by 38½ lengths
Note: 89-year-old trainer seeks eighth Preakness
Quote: “He’s doing exceptionally well. He’s back in the feed tub, no worse for wear, almost like he didn’t participate [in the Kentucky Derby]. So, we feel pretty good about him. That’s all you can ask. But his energy level is really good.” – D. Wayne Lukas

American Promise (15-1) returns just two weeks after a forgettable run in the Kentucky Derby, where he made an early move before backing out and finished far back. Despite that, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas reports the chestnut colt bounced back quickly and is showing great energy ahead of the Preakness. With a pedigree built for distance and early speed, and an iconic trainer chasing his eighth Preakness win, American Promise could rebound sharply if he runs back to his better efforts.

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4. Heart of Honor (12-1)

Post Position: 4
Color/Sex: Dark bay or brown colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Honor A. P. – Ruby Love – Scat Daddy
Owner: Jim and Claire Limited
Trainer: Jamie Osborne
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 4 places, 0 shows
Earnings: $340,919
Typical Running Style: Mid-pack
Last Raced: April 5, 2025 – UAE Derby – Second by a nose
Note: Just missed in UAE Derby but winner was then last in the Kentucky Derby
Quote: “We still don’t know how good he is, because hopefully he’s still improving. Where that leaves us, we’ll find out. We’ve got to roll the dice and see where we are.” – Jimmy McCarthy, assistant trainer

Heart of Honor (12-1) ships in from overseas following a narrow loss in the UAE Derby, where he came up just a nose short in a strong finish. Though the winner of that race failed to fire in the Kentucky Derby, this colt brings a consistent record and the confidence of a European-based team that’s aiming high. Trained by Jamie Osborne and ridden by his daughter Saffie, Heart of Honor has never missed the exacta and continues to improve. He’s a question mark against top U.S. company, but his form and attitude suggest he belongs in the conversation.

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5. Pay Billy (20-1)

Post Position: 5
Color/Sex: Bay colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Improbable – Harlington’s Rose – Harlington
Owner: RKTN Racing LLC
Trainer: Michael Gorham
Jockey: Raul Mena
Record: 8 starts: 4 wins, 1 place, 1 show
Earnings: $234,475
Typical Running Style: Press-stalk
Last Raced: April 19, 2025 – Federico Tesio Stakes – Won by 1½ lengths
Note: Carries local hopes after winning Laurel’s two-turn stakes for sophomores
Quote: “It’s going to be an exciting week. We’re looking forward to it.” – Mike Gorham

Pay Billy (20-1) enters the Preakness with momentum and a touch of hometown pride after capturing the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. The son of Improbable has quietly put together a solid résumé and will now test much deeper waters on racing’s biggest stage. Trainer Mike Gorham is embracing the moment, and with Raul Mena staying aboard, this press-stalk type figures to sit just off the leaders and hope for a well-timed move. Though facing tougher foes, Pay Billy would make a lot of locals happy if he outruns expectations at Pimlico.

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6. River Thames (9-2)

Post Position: 6
Color/Sex: Bay colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Maclean’s Music – Proportionality – Discreet Cat
Owner: WinStar Farm et al.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 1 place, 1 show
Earnings: $261,900
Typical Running Style: Stalk
Last Raced: April 8, 2025 – G1 Blue Grass – Third by ¾ lengths
Note: Bypassed the Derby to await the Preakness for a Hall of Fame trainer who has yet to win this race
Quote: “He’s run well in every start. The tough beat in the Fountain of Youth looks even stronger after Sovereignty’s performance in the Derby. He’s held his best form. He’s run well every time. We’re hoping maybe by bringing in a fresh horse, it will give us a little bit of an advantage.” – Todd Pletcher

River Thames (9-2) arrives at the Preakness fresh after skipping the Kentucky Derby, a strategic decision by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who is still seeking his first win in this race. The bay colt has never run a bad one, finishing a close third in the Grade 1 Blue Grass after a near-miss in the Fountain of Youth, won by Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty. With top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard and a stalking style that suits Pimlico, River Thames is a serious contender looking to capitalize on fresher legs and consistent form.

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7. Sandman (4-1)

Post Position: 7
Color/Sex: Gray/roan colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Tapit – Distorted Music – Distorted Humor
Owner: D J Stable et al.
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: John Velazquez
Record: 9 starts: 3 wins, 1 place, 2 shows
Earnings: $1,254,595
Typical Running Style: Closer
Last Raced: May 3, 2025 – Kentucky Derby – Seventh by 12½ lengths
Note: Deep closer needs a lively pace as he got when winning the Arkansas Derby
Quote: “He’s an extremely happy horse right now. It looks like the race might set up nice for him. It looks like there’s a fair amount of speed. I always quote Allen Jerkens, ‘Run ‘em when they’re good,’ and he’s good right now. We were planning on waiting for the Belmont, but a lot of things can happen in between. He’s telling us he’s happy so we’re going to go with it.” – Mark Casse

Sandman (4-1) returns just two weeks after finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby, where he made up some ground late but couldn’t threaten the leaders. A powerful closer, he earned his spot in the Triple Crown spotlight with a dramatic win in the Arkansas Derby, and trainer Mark Casse is hoping for a similar pace setup here. With Hall of Famer John Velazquez staying aboard and the colt reportedly thriving, Sandman looks to come flying late if things unfold his way early.

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8. Clever Again (5-1)

Post Position: 8
Color/Sex: Bay colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: American Pharoah – Flattering – Galileo
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds et al.
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Record: 3 starts: 2 wins, 1 place, 0 shows
Earnings: $198,400
Typical Running Style: Speed
Last Raced: March 30, 2025 – Hot Springs Stakes – Won by 4 lengths
Note: Lightly raced sort has a profile that sometimes wins the Preakness
Quote: “We’re pretty confident he can carry his speed a long distance. He’s very professional. He acts like a horse who just wants to do it. Mentally, he’s doing great. Physically, he’s doing great, and they think he’s coming into his own.” – Ron Winchell, owner

Clever Again (5-1) enters the Preakness with confidence after a dominant win in the Hot Springs Stakes, where he powered away to a 4-length victory. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, this speedster has only raced three times but shows the potential to go a distance despite his brief career. His pedigree suggests he can handle the demands of a classic race, and with a fresh approach and a steadily improving form, Clever Again is a dangerous horse to watch as he seeks to carry his early speed a bit longer.

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9. Gosger (20-1)

Post Position: 9
Color/Sex: Gray/roan colt
Age: 3
Sire–Dam–Damsire: Nyquist – Gloria S – Tapit
Owner: Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Luis Saez
Record: 3 starts: 2 wins, 1 place, 0 shows
Earnings: $292,200
Typical Running Style: Press-stalk
Last Raced: April 12, 2025 – G3 Lexington – Won by 2 lengths
Note: Looked good in winning the Lexington but must improve
Quote: “I thought he took a big step up in the Lexington off a maiden win, and he looks like he’s come forward again.” – Brendan Walsh

Gosger (20-1) heads into the Preakness with the confidence of a recent winner, having taken the G3 Lexington Stakes by 2 lengths. Though still relatively inexperienced, the gray colt has shown steady progression and is now looking to take another step up in class. Trained by Brendan Walsh and ridden by Luis Saez, Gosger will need to improve again if he hopes to contend with the tougher competition in Baltimore, but his connections are making the right noises.

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