The 2025 Kentucky Derby is now in the past, and the Preakness Stakes is just around the corner. Sovereignty, having secured victory in the Derby—this first leg of the horse racing triple crown—has the chance to compete in the upcoming race at the Pimlico Race Course on May 17th in Baltimore, Maryland.
As of this writing, it’s uncertain if Sovereignty will participate in Pimlico. There’s a reasonable chance the horse continues on this path toward the triple crown, but Trainer Bill Mott is tempering expectations. Following the Derby, he mentioned that Sovereignty has “a minor 4-inch scuff on the outside of the pastern on the front right hoof.” He conveyed that the team needs time to assess the next steps for the horse.
“We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott remarked outside Burn 19 at Churchill Downs on a drizzly Sunday morning. “Of course, we’re considering the triple crown; that’s always on our minds.”
“We probably need to make a decision in the next few days, but as of now, we’re still unsure.”
This uncertainty could be strategic, but we’re left to ponder the implications. Should Sovereignty decide against racing, it would significantly diminish the main narrative around the Preakness without him aiming for the triple crown. However, if the team deems it’s best for the horse to skip this race, they have to prioritize his well-being.
The last Derby winner to forego the Preakness was Rich Strike back in 2022.
Journalism was a favorite to win the Derby but fell short, finishing second. Although he’s anticipated to run at the Preakness, no official decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, third-place finisher Baeza is reportedly considering skipping the Preakness to prepare for the Belmont Stakes, although trainer John Silef hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a change.
The seventh-place finisher, Sandman, is also expected to miss the Preakness, but there’s speculation about a last-minute entry, as noted by Thames and Gosgars, suggesting, “It’s likely he’ll head to Baltimore.”
Derby contender Rodriguez was a late scratch for the race and is hopeful for a Preakness appearance.
Which horses race in the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
TBD
