BALTIMORE (WDRB) – A Triple Crown dream may be off the table, but a new chapter awaits for Journalism — and for Pimlico — in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes.
Two weeks after a troubled trip cost him a shot at Derby glory, the son of Curlin returns as the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
It will be the final Preakness at Pimlico Race Course before the historic grandstand is demolished and rebuilt, with the 2026 edition scheduled for Laurel Park and a return to a new Pimlico expected in 2027.
As for Journalism, trainer Michael McCarthy believes his colt is ready to turn the page.
“If I could do anything over again, I’d like to have the first 100 yards of the Derby over again,” McCarthy said. “But that’s what’s great about racing. If your horse stays healthy, you’re always going to have another shot. So we take another shot Saturday.”
McCarthy waited several days before committing his colt to the race, wanting to see how he emerged from his runner-up finish behind Sovereignty, who skipped the Preakness and will instead aim for the Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga. The decision left Journalism as the lone headliner from the Derby’s top three, joined by Sandman (7th) and American Promise (16th) among the nine-horse Preakness field.
Ridden again by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism will break from post 2 in a field that features early speed, experienced hands, and a few wild cards.
Among the challengers:
Sandman (4-1), who never fired in the Derby, returns with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez for trainer Mark Casse, who opted to take on one major rival here instead of four at the Belmont. “Journalism is the horse to beat,” Casse said, “but our horse is doing good. I’d rather face one than four.”
Clever Again (5-1), trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, brings perfect 2024 form and front-running speed — something he may have to use wisely from post 8.
River Thames (9-2), who skipped the Derby after running third in the Blue Grass, gives Todd Pletcher another shot at a Preakness win that has long eluded him.
Goal Oriented (6-1), Bob Baffert’s record Preakness-winning trainer with eight victories, brings an unbeaten but untested colt making just his third career start. Baffert isn’t worried. “We only bring the smart ones,” he said.
Heart of Honor (12-1), trained by Jamie Osborne and ridden by his 23-year-old daughter Saffie Osborne, brings international flair and U.A.E. Derby form — plus a dream. “We’re not here saying we’re going to win the Preakness,” Osborne said. “But he may be better than he’s shown us yet.”
American Promise (15-1), D. Wayne Lukas’s massive chestnut colt by Justify, has the pedigree and a Hall of Fame handler who believes he’s better now than before the Derby. Lukas sends out a record 49th Preakness starter, chasing an eighth win to match Baffert.
Gosger (20-1), a lightly raced upstart from trainer Brendan Walsh, could improve off his win in the Lexington Stakes. “If he jumps three to five lengths off that last race, I think he’s right there,” Walsh said.
Pay Billy (20-1), the local hero with a Minnesota ownership group 30 deep and a trainer (Mike Gorham) who plotted this very path months ago, earned his way in by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park.
McCarthy knows Journalism can sit close or come from off the pace. In Southern California, he was always within a few lengths of the front. The Derby detour may have cost him the blanket of roses — but McCarthy thinks his colt can wear the Black-Eyed Susans.
“I have a lot of confidence in my horse,” McCarthy said. “He’s handled everything like a pro. Now we’ll see if we can get the kind of trip we wanted last time.”
Weather and track conditions: Saturday’s forecast from the National Weather Service called for morning showers with thunderstorms possible — some potentially severe — extending through 2 p.m. in Baltimore. After that, skies are expected to turn mostly cloudy, then gradually sunny, with a high near 89 degrees. How quickly the Pimlico dirt and turf tracks dry out will depend on the timing and path of those storms.
The area has already soaked in plenty of precipitation this week. Baltimore-Washington International Airport recorded a record 2.28 inches of rain Tuesday, followed by more than 1.5 inches on Wednesday.
The Preakness goes as Race 13 on a 14-race card, with post time scheduled for 7:01 p.m. ET.
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