As BourbonBlog.com continues to follow the Triple Crown series—including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—we’re bringing you highlights and coverage.
Today marks the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This historic event is the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
In case you missed it, we’ve included a video below where Bourbon expert Tom Fischer speaks with Junior Alvarado, the jockey of Sovereignty, following their victory at the Kentucky Derby.
How to Watch
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Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
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Post Time: 7:01 p.m. ET (6:01 p.m. CT)
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TV Coverage: NBC starting at 4:00 p.m. ET
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Streaming: Peacock, fuboTV, and DIRECTV Stream (free trials available)
Who’s Running for Preakness 2025?
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness, eliminating the possibility of a Triple Crown winner this year .
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Goal Oriented
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Odds: 6-1
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Trainer: Bob Baffert
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Jockey: Flavien Prat
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Notes: Unbeaten in two starts, including a Churchill Downs allowance race on Derby Day. Making his stakes debut.
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Journalism
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Odds: 8-5 (Morning-line favorite)
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Trainer: Michael McCarthy
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Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
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Notes: Runner-up in the Kentucky Derby; considered the class of the field.
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American Promise
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Odds: 15-1
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Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
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Jockey: Nik Juarez
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Notes: Finished 16th in the Derby; Virginia Derby winner seeking redemption.
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Heart of Honor
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Odds: 12-1
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Trainer: Jamie Osborne
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Jockey: Saffie Osborne
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Notes: Consistent performer with two wins and four seconds in six starts; making U.S. debut.
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Pay Billy
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Odds: 20-1
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Trainer: Michael E. Gorham
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Jockey: Raul Mena
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Notes: Local contender with three wins in last four starts, including the Federico Tesio Stakes.
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River Thames
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Odds: 9-2
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Trainer: Todd Pletcher
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Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
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Notes: Just missed in the Fountain of Youth Stakes; consistent performer.
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Sandman
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Odds: 4-1
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Trainer: Mark Casse
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Jockey: John Velazquez
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Notes: Finished sixth in the Derby; known for his strong closing kick.
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Clever Again
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Odds: 5-1
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Trainer: Steve Asmussen
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Jockey: Jose Ortiz
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Notes: Front-runner with impressive speed figures; son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
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Gosger
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Odds: 20-1
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Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
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Jockey: Luis Saez
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Notes: Long shot named after former MLB player Jim Gosger; comes off a win in the Lexington Stakes.
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Official Preakness Cocktail: Bourbon and Vodka Both?
The traditional drink of the Preakness Stakes is the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. While the exact recipe can vary, it typically includes both bourbon and vodka—an unusual combo, we know. We don’t usually mix those two spirits, but for the Preakness? We’ll make an exception.
The name comes from the race’s floral tradition. The Preakness winner is draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, Maryland’s state flower. However, since they don’t bloom until June, florists dye Viking daisies to resemble them for race day.
Here’s the classic recipe:
- 1 1/4 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 2 oz orange juice
- 2 oz sour mix
- Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a highball glass over fresh ice, garnish, and enjoy the race.
Bourbon Tastings: Triple Crown Themed and More
In the lead-up to the Preakness, we’ve been hosting a series of Derby-themed bourbon tastings, including our standout event at Bourbons Bistro with Sean Williams of Cohiba and Jason Brauner of Buzzard’s Roost—celebrating the rich traditions of horse racing and fine spirits.
Stay tuned for more events and recaps on our website. If you’re interested in booking a Triple Crown-themed tasting—or other private or corporate bourbon tastings throughout the year—reach out to us at [email protected].
Images provided courtesy of Pimlico Race Course.
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