The 2025 Preakness Stakes will go on without its biggest name when the horses take to the starting gates in 2025. Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, will skip the May 17 race at Pimlico, ending hopes for a Triple Crown run. Trainer Bill Mott confirmed the decision, citing a long-term plan that prioritizes the Belmont Stakes next month. The announcement reshapes the narrative and opens the field.
Without the Derby champion to beat, contenders once seen as longshots now gain relevance. While fans had hoped for a historic run, the spotlight now shifts to the remaining entries, each with a renewed chance to step into the void left by the favorite’s absence. What was once a coronation-in-waiting now becomes a battle royale.
The Field Without a Favorite
With Sovereignty out, several stables quickly adjusted plans – and Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, is poised to become a top storyline. After missing the Derby due to a minor setback, the Wood Memorial winner is reportedly training sharply and is cleared for Pimlico. Baffert’s history in this race speaks for itself, and Rodriguez brings a front-running style suited to the shorter Preakness distance.
Another major player is Journalism, the Derby runner-up. Pundits have remained quiet since the first Saturday in May, but signs suggest he may be entered. A strong Derby finish after an extended trip makes Journalism a serious threat (if he returns). His tactical speed and adaptability are ideal for Pimlico’s tighter turns.
Emerging from the shadows is Clever Again, a lesser-known colt with flashes of brilliance. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the lightly raced three-year-old has posted rising speed figures and has impressed in recent workouts. With the spotlight shifting away from the big names, horses like Clever Again might find space to assert themselves.
There is also growing interest in Heart Of Honor, a British-bred entry who brings international flair and composure. Ridden by Saffie Osborne, the colt adds a new dimension to the lineup. While untested on American dirt, those with an inside track are confident in his endurance and late acceleration.
How It Changes the Stakes
Sovereignty’s absence alters not only expectations but also race strategy. Without a clear standout, the field becomes more compressed. The pace could be more hotly contested and the margin for error tighter. However, for trainers, the pressure eases slightly. No longer is there a giant to conquer—only a balanced group of rivals trying to make their mark.
For fans and bettors, it opens the door to deeper analysis. Without an overwhelming favorite, the race demands closer inspection of form, splits, and running styles. Value could emerge from previously overlooked names, especially those with solid prep race credentials or late-blooming trajectories.
From a historical perspective, this kind of development isn’t rare, but it’s always a pivotal moment. The last time a Kentucky Derby winner skipped the Preakness was in 2022, when longshot Rich Strike opted out to rest for the Belmont Stakes. In his absence, Early Voting captured the Preakness, shifting the spotlight and reshaping the Triple Crown narrative.
A similar scenario is unfolding in 2025. With Derby winner Sovereignty choosing to bypass the Preakness, the door is open for another contender—perhaps one not originally seen as a Triple Crown threat—to seize the moment. It’s an opportunity for a new name to emerge and define the season.
What’s at Stake
Even without a Triple Crown on the line, the 2025 Preakness offers high-caliber competition and substantial prestige. The Woodlawn Vase, awarded to the winner, remains one of the most valuable trophies in all of sport. More importantly, the race serves as a defining moment for colts aiming to boost their stud value, secure future invitations, and build momentum for the summer racing season.
For handicappers and enthusiasts, this year’s race introduces a rare level of unpredictability. Without a dominant front-runner, there’s room for deeper analysis of pace, positioning, and prep race performance. As Preakness betting markets adjust, attention will shift to previously overlooked horses who now offer greater potential upside. The odds will continue to evolve as entries finalize, making the lead-up to race day especially engaging for fans following both form and market movement.
The Impact on the Triple Crown Narrative
Triple Crown dreams drive much of the mainstream attention surrounding the spring racing calendar. When a Derby winner bows out, the storyline shifts from legacy to opportunity. There’s less media buzz, perhaps, but often better racing.
That said, fans naturally feel the loss. Sovereignty’s Derby win had all the elements of a superstar moment. A clean break, decisive move at the top of the stretch, and an authoritative finish. He has the presence of a horse built for history. But even great talents must be managed with care. Running again on two weeks’ rest after a grueling mile-and-a-quarter race is a tall task, especially for trainers with long-term campaigns in mind.
Now, attention turns to Belmont. If Sovereignty returns there fresh, it won’t be for a Triple Crown, but it could solidify his reputation. A Derby-Belmont double would still place him among the most elite three-year-olds of his generation. In that sense, skipping the Preakness is not retreat—it’s recalibration.
Pimlico’s Final Stand Before the Rebuild
Adding to the significance of this year’s event is its place in venue history. Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness since 1873, is preparing for major renovations. This will be the last Preakness held at the track in its current state before construction begins. The Maryland Stadium Authority has announced plans for a complete rebuild, with the event temporarily moving to Laurel Park in 2026.
That context makes this year’s running feel like the end of a chapter – and the beginning of a new one. A landmark event missing its champion, at a landmark track bidding farewell to over 150 years of history. The atmosphere promises a blend of nostalgia and anticipation. For traditionalists, it’s one final look at Pimlico as it’s long been known. For everyone else, it’s a rare chance to witness history in transition.
Looking Forward
Sovereignty may be missing from the lineup, but the 2025 Preakness Stakes is anything but diminished. It remains a race built on tradition, the possibility of surprise, and the raw potential of three-year-olds stepping into their prime. The absence of a Triple Crown chase changes the headline—but it doesn’t change the stakes.
For those watching from the stands or tuning in at home, this year’s Preakness will offer something different: a wide-open contest where anything feels possible. Sometimes, the greatest drama unfolds when the script is torn up and rewritten. This year, Pimlico will host one of those moments.
