On May 6, horse racing fans woke up to some disappointing news. “We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision,” announced Mike Rogers, the executive vice president of Pimlico Race Course operator 1/ST. Unfortunately, Rogers wasn’t congratulating Sovereignty on beating pre-race favorite Journalism to win the Kentucky Derby crown. Rather, the announcement let the world know that Sovereignty won’t be competing at the Preakness Stakes.

Rogers revealed that the Kentucky Derby winner trainer, Bill Mott, informed him of their decision not to race after a short two-week gap on May 17. Unfortunately, that meant only one thing. Horse racing enthusiasts will spend another year knowing there won’t be a Triple Crown winner. Yet, Rogers was optimistic despite the Derby winner pulling out so early. “We continue to see the excitement building toward the milestone celebration of the 150th Preakness Stakes,” said the 1/ST executive vice president. It turns out he was not wrong.

The instant Preakness Stakes favorite

Besides Sovereignty deciding to pull out, fans didn’t know whether the Kentucky Derby pre-race favorite, and eventual runner-up, Journalism, would race. In fact, Journalism’s team was in doubt just a few days ago. “Still no decision on Journalism for the Preakness Stakes. Trainer Michael McCarthy (@mwmracing) says he and the owners will decide after training tomorrow morning at @ChurchillDowns.” Horse Racing Nation posted on Saturday.

Well, that training session came and went, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners dropped exactly what the fans wanted to hear. “Journalism has been grand since the @KentuckyDerby and @mwmracing has green-lighted him to head to @PimlicoRC for the 150th @PreaknessStakes!” Journalism’s owners posted on Sunday. And to almost no one’s surprise, the Kentucky Derby runner-up opened as the 8-5 favorite after post positions were drawn on Monday.

So with Journalism once again becoming the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes, he and his team aim to keep that favorite tag intact by the time he crosses the finish line. And while Journalism will have to wait to avenge his loss directly against Sovereignty, winning the Preakness might set the stage for a massive finale at the Belmont Stakes. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Winning the Preakness won’t be a gallop in the park. Journalism’s competition consists of:

1. Goal Oriented
   Trainer: Bob Baffert
   Jockey: Flavien Prat
   Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and partners.
2. Journalism
   Trainer: Michael McCarthy
   Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
   Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick
3. American Promise
   Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
   Jockey: Nik Juarez
   Owner: BC Stables
4. Heart of Honor
   Trainer: Jamie Osborne
   Jockey: Saffie Osborne
   Owners: Jim and Claire Limited
5. Pay Billy
   Trainer: Michael Gorham
   Jockey: Raul Mena
   Owner: RKTN Racing
6. Sandman
   Trainer: Mark Casse
   Jockey: John Velazquez
   Owner: D.J. Stable and partners.
7. River Thames
   Trainer: Todd Pletcher
   Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
   Owners: WinStar Farm, Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable
8. Clever Again
   Trainer: Steve Asmussen
   Jockey: Jose Ortiz
   Owners: Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith
9. Gosger
   Trainer: Brendan Walsh
   Jockey: Luis Saez
   Owner: Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stable

Yes, this field is much smaller than the Kentucky Derby. But that doesn’t mean the horses gearing up for the Preakness Stakes are any less capable. In fact, multiple Derby competitors are coming back after their short two-week rest, just like Journalism. Sandman (7th at the Kentucky Derby) and American Promise (15th at the Kentucky Derby) will be returning for round two against Journalism.

Yet, that’s not all. Clever Again is an interesting entry into the field, despite the Preakness Stakes being just his third career start. That’s because the Steve Asmussen-trained horse is the son of the Triple Crown-winning horse American Pharoah. Yes, the same horse that Bob Baffert guided to the prestigious title in 2015.

And then we have Goal Oriented. While the Bob Baffert-trained horse didn’t run in the Kentucky Derby, the colt improved his record to 2 wins in 2 starts at an allowance on the undercard on May 3. That being said, let’s not forget that Baffert himself is a man on a mission.

Journalism isn’t the only one looking for redemption

Bob Baffert tried to make a grand comeback at the Kentucky Derby after three years away from Churchill Downs. Baffert, who is tied for the most Kentucky Derby wins in history, wanted to rewrite history by winning his 7th Derby, breaking his tie with Ben Jones. Unfortunately for the legendary trainer, one of his horses, Rodriguez, got a bruise on his leg just before the Derby. The trainer had no choice but to scratch Rodriguez.

His second horse, Citizen Bull, despite a strong start, faded to a 17th-place finish on May 3. Unable to make his mark on the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert is now looking to add to his Preakness Stakes titles. Already the winningest coach in the race, Baffert is looking for redemption with Goal Oriented. However, facing Journalism won’t be the horse’s only problem.

One of the things that acted against Citizen Bull in Kentucky was that the horse drew the #1 position. And as fate would have it, Goal Oriented drew the same position for the Preakness Stakes. Thankfully, Baffert isn’t worrying too much. ‘Once you draw, you can’t think about it. Last time I drew the one (post) here was with American Pharaoh,” said the 72-year-old.

“I drew the one with Lookin At Lucky. The one hole is not as bad here as it would be in the Derby,” the former Triple Crown winner added. On top of that, Journalism’s owners weren’t the only ones pleased with their horse’s Sunday workout. Baffert also liked what he saw from Goal Oriented on Sunday. So it’s safe to say that, despite being the favorite, Journalism might have work cut out.