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Upcoming Preakness Stakes 2025: Lesser-Known Horses with Potential to Triumph

Next Saturday, May 17, 2025, the 150th Preakness Stakes sprints into action at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore. It marks the second major event in the renowned Triple Crown series.

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Race-day for the 150th Preakness Stakes rapidly approaches, arriving at Pimlico Race Course in...
Race-day for the 150th Preakness Stakes rapidly approaches, arriving at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 17th, 2025. As the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown series, it's a major event...

Upcoming Preakness Stakes 2025: Lesser-Known Horses with Potential to Triumph

Ready for the 2025 Preakness Stakes? The excitement's building, and we've got our eyes on five longshots who could shake things up on May 17th at Pimlico Race Course! Here's the lowdown on some horses that'll make you lean back, cross your fingers, and yell like a crazy race enthusiast:

1. Pay Billy

Pay Billy's recent victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes snagged him a spot in this year's Preakness. With a steady strides-and-surprises approach, the horse swooped in to snatch first place when it mattered most. And his thrifty energy usage could give him an edge on those horses who might struggle with the grueling Preakness distance. But will he hold his own against elite competition? Let's hope he can keep his cool and keep up with the big league!

2. River Thames

Just lounging back in sixth place? Nah, not River Thames in the Florida Derby. This horse was all about composure and the art of conserving energy to make a run at the right moment. Pimlico's track conditions might be just the thing to give this consistent competitor the edge it needs to shine among the crowd. But does he have what it takes to steal the show? We'll see if things go his way on race day!

3. Gosger Aims

Listen up, folks! Gosger made a noise in the Wood Memorial Stakes by unleashing an explosive burst of speed when it mattered most. And those later-stage time trials have us thinking this horse could be one of the serious underdog contenders in the Preakness. Of course, questions remain. Is its unpredictable nature a strength or a weakness? Can it avoid getting stuck behind the pack before it's time to really go? We'll soon find out!

4. Clever Again

The name says it all. Clever Again… and quick! This horse proved that speed kills with a thrilling win in the Hot Springs Stakes. But the racing world is asking: can this rapid runner maintain the pace in the longer Preakness, especially when facing strong challengers? Time will tell if Clever Again can translate its early-stage brilliance into lasting success.

5. Sandman

Grit, determination, and resilience - that's what Sandman's all about. The horse clinched its spot in the Preakness following a tough win in the Arkansas Derby. Can it keep up the fight in Baltimore? Pimlico's track conditions may just suit Sandman's endurance style, but will it have the speed to stay in contention? We'll be watching to see if this tough cookie can surprise the world!

Remember, underdogs become champions, and the Preakness Stakes has a history of introducing races' unsung heroes. So, don't just write off the longshots. They might just pull off a miracle!

Enrichment Info:- Performance Factors: Performance factors for each underdog are presented below based on available data.

Underdog Horses

1. Pay Billy

  • Odds: 15-1.
  • Performance Factors: Won the "win-and-in" Federico Tesio, demonstrating solid form leading into the Preakness. However, there is limited information on recent performances compared to other contenders.

2. River Thames

  • Odds: Approximately 6-1.
  • Performance Factors: Shown consistent results, finishing in the money in all four starts, including a second-place finish in the Fountain of Youth and a third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes. With heavy hitter trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., River Thames is a strong contender to upset Journalism.

3. Gosger Aims

  • Odds: Longshot [2].
  • Performance Factors: There is limited information available on Gosger Aims' recent performances or potential form factors that could impact the race.

4. Clever Again

  • Odds: Approximately 7-1.
  • Performance Factors: Noted for its potential to pull an upset or fit well in exacta cards, suggesting strong underlying performance capability. However, specific recent performance details are not readily available.

5. Sandman

  • Odds: Longshot [2].
  • Performance Factors: There is limited information available on Sandman's recent performances or potential form factors that could impact the race. These underdog horses offer varying potential based on their odds and data available. River Thames stands out as a strong contender due to its consistent results and the accomplished team backing it.
  1. That steady energy usage Pay Billy demonstrated during the Federico Tesio Stakes could give him an edge in the Preakness, as some horses might struggle with the race's distance. However, limited information on his recent performances could be a concern.
  2. River Thames' consistent results, especially its second-place finish in the Fountain of Youth and third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes, make it a strong contender to upset the favorites in the Preakness, backed by accomplished trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

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