Journalism Faces Tough Race Against New Trends in Preakness Stakes

BALTIMORE — Ahead of the 150th Preakness Stakes, Michael McCarthy’s horse, Journalism, stands out as the 8-5 morning line favorite. The colt follows a strong second-place finish at the Kentucky Derby, now vying for victory in a highly competitive field of nine.

Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert, with a remarkable 15 combined Preakness victories, have turned up the pressure, both jokingly suggesting it’s McCarthy’s race to lose. Despite the playful banter, the stakes are high, especially with Sovereignty, the Derby winner, opting out of the race to prepare for the Belmont Stakes.

Mark Casse, trainer of Sandman, acknowledged the challenge facing competitors. “Everybody’s got to beat Journalism,” he stated, highlighting the horse’s strong pedigree. Just three contenders—Journalism, Sandman, and Lukas’ American Promise—come fresh from the Derby.

Sandman, who placed seventh at the Derby, struggled with the muddy conditions, while American Promise faced a tough race, finishing 16th. Both trainers expressed renewed hopes for their horses this time around.

Baffert seeks a record ninth Preakness win with Goal Oriented, positioned in the inside No. 1 post. Meanwhile, Lukas aims to equal Baffert’s tally, leveraging American Promise’s improved form. “He’s better this week than he was before the Derby,” Lukas remarked.

While Lukas expressed confidence in Journalism’s capabilities, he questioned the horse’s resilience after racing just two weeks prior. “It’s a different race. It’s nine horses,” he said, emphasizing the challenge of adapting to various conditions.

Preakness conditions have improved after recent rains, and McCarthy has expressed optimism regarding the track’s state, quipping, “I think everyone would hope it’s better by Saturday.” With strong breeding and training, Journalism emerges as a formidable favorite.

Casse’s War of Will remains the most recent horse to win the Preakness after racing in the Derby, a streak that suggests added pressure for McCarthy’s contender. New entrants, including Todd Pletcher-trained River Thames and Steve Asmussen’s Clever Again, round out an exciting roster.

The weight of expectation lies heavily on Journalism, who will once again be ridden by Umberto Rispoli. “I think it’s a great spot to be in,” McCarthy noted, underscoring the challenges that come with such a prestigious race.