The excitement is building as the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1) approaches, set to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This milestone event, known as the “second jewel in the Triple Crown,” promises a thrilling day of top-tier horse racing and vibrant festivities.
As fans and bettors alike prepare for this iconic race, the question on everyone’s mind is: how do you pick a winning horse? Here are five expert tips to guide your selections and enhance your Preakness experience.
The Kentucky Derby hasn’t happened yet. It’s set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, but the early odds are already giving us a few things to think about. Horses like Built (139-1), Caldera (158-1), and Baeza (53-1) are showing up as longshots in the Future Wager Pool 6 released by Kentucky Derby.
But that doesn’t mean they’re out of the running. In fact, a horse that flies under the radar at Churchill Downs could turn around and become a real threat in the Preakness Stakes just two weeks later. When it comes to Preakness betting online, keeping an eye on how these high-odds horses perform in the Derby can uncover some serious value.
Remember, they don’t need to win. Sometimes, a strong late run or a gritty finish is enough to signal they’re heating up. And with the Preakness being slightly shorter than the Derby, that could be exactly the setup they need to shine at Pimlico.
Not every horse runs the same way. Some like to shoot to the front and set the pace. Others hang back and wait for the perfect time to strike. Then there are the ones that come flying late from the back of the pack, hoping to catch the leaders in the stretch.
Knowing how a horse runs and understanding its natural style can tell you a lot about how it might handle the Preakness. Pimlico tends to favor horses with tactical speed, meaning those that can stay near the front without tiring out. There just isn’t as much ground to make a dramatic come-from-behind move as in the Derby.
If a horse is always trying to close from last, it might struggle to get there in time. But one that can get a good position early and still have some kick left at the end? That’s the kind of profile that often shows up in the winner’s circle at the Preakness.
A talented horse is only part of what wins a race like the Preakness Stakes. Behind every great performance is a skilled trainer and a savvy jockey—both of whom can tip the scales in a high-stakes race. Trainers with Preakness experience know how to time a horse’s peak performance. They’re experts at managing the tight turnaround from the Kentucky Derby to Pimlico, making strategic decisions that can make or break a run for the Triple Crown.
Jockeys familiar with the Pimlico track bring a major advantage. They understand its unique pace and positioning challenges and have the composure to thrive under big-race pressure. When a horse is paired with a rider or trainer who’s succeeded in past Triple Crown races, it’s not just a lucky coincidence—it’s often a strong signal worth paying attention to.
A horse’s recent training can reveal just as much—if not more—than its past race results. Sharp morning workouts, strong breezes, and visible energy often indicate a horse rounding into peak form at the right moment. Conversely, flat or inconsistent performances during workouts can signal a potential drop-off, even if past race results look solid.
You don’t need to be a pro clocker to spot these signs. Look for trainer quotes, workout videos, and report insights leading up to the Preakness. Horses that are working well over the Pimlico surface, or showing strong recovery and energy following the Kentucky Derby, are often prime candidates to run big on race day.
Favorites win a lot in the Preakness, but every so often, a longshot sneaks in and shakes things up. The key is to figure out which outsiders actually have a chance, not just based on odds but based on their potential to improve. Sometimes, a horse that had a rough trip in the Derby or skipped it altogether comes into the Preakness fresher and sharper.
These are the types that fly under the radar. Maybe they had a sneaky-good prep race. Maybe they’re training lights-out with a little buzz. Whatever the case, adding a live longshot or two to your watchlist can pay off, especially when the favorite looks beatable.
The Preakness Stakes might be a quick two-week turnaround from the Derby, but it’s a whole different kind of race: shorter, faster, and often more unpredictable. While the spotlight usually shines on the favorites, sharp bettors and fans know that success comes from looking deeper than the headlines. So, as the gates open at Pimlico and the roar of the crowd builds, trust your homework.
