Even without the Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty out of the second leg of the triple crown, Journalism's reward vs. risk is still better at 6-5 odds.  This means that a $50 bet pays out $60.  You get that $50 bet returned just as long as Journalism wins and your profit would be $60 in addition.

Journalism was sired by Curlin out of the Uncle Mo mare Mopotism.

Key Factors That Could Lead to Journalism Winning This Year's Preakness Stakes

Past Performance (10)

Prior to a strong 2nd place finish in the Kentucky Derby, his last two starts were wins and both in Kentucky Derby prep races, including his most recent at the Santa Anita Derby.

Trainer (9)

As of May 2025, trainer Michael W. McCarthy has won the Preakness Stakes once. His victory came in 2021 with the colt Rombauer.  McCarthy’s Preakness win remains his sole victory in the race to date, although 2021 did mark his Preakness Stakes debut.

More Reason to Bet on Journalism (7)

Though jockey Umberto Rispoli had not yet won a Preakness Stakes race, he ranks No. 18 in terms of earnings.  He has had some strong showings of late, including at the Santa Anita with Journalism.

Journalism did not really have any experience running in the mud coming into this race.

From the Courier Journal:

Through a mouth caked in mud, Umberto Rispoli delivered a hard-but-simple truth to Michael McCarthy under the Twin Spires.

"On the mud, he was the best horse," the jockey said, referring to Kentucky Derby 151 winner Sovereignty — not theirs, Journalism. "On a fair track, I think the deal is on."

"What're you going to do?" the trainer said.

Why Journalism Might Not Win This Year's Kentucky Derby

Recent Performance (4)

Yes he finished 2nd in the Kentucky Derby, but 2nd is not 1st and regression is possible.

Jockey (4)

As of April 2025, Umberto Rispoli has not won the Preakness. 

2025 Preakness Stakes Early Odds

• Journalism    6-5   
• Sandman    7-2   
• Goal Oriented    5-1   
• Clever Again    8-1   
• River Thames    8-1   
• American Promise    10-1   
• Gosger    15-1   
• Heart Of Honor    30-1   
• Pay Billy    30-1   

All Odds Courtesy of BetPhoenix Here