Sat May 17 21:40:00 UTC 2025: **Preakness Stakes Set for Saturday; Kentucky Derby Winner Sovereignty Skips Race**

BALTIMORE, MD – The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is set for this Saturday, May 17th, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. While not the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness remains a prestigious event in the horse racing world. Post time is scheduled for 7:01 p.m. ET.

However, the race will be without Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty. Trainer Bill Mott has announced the horse will be skipping the Preakness to focus on the Belmont Stakes. This marks the second time in four years that the Kentucky Derby winner has opted out of the Preakness, following Rich Strike’s decision in 2022.

With Sovereignty out, Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, is the favorite to win.

Controversy surrounds trainer Bob Baffert, who will have Goal Oriented running from the No. 1 post position. Goal Oriented did not participate in the Kentucky Derby.

The weather forecast predicts a high of 91 degrees in Baltimore on Saturday, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to cool down to 67 degrees by the evening race time.

The purse for the race is expected to be similar to or higher than the $2 million offered in 2024, when Seize the Grey took home $1.2 million for the win.

Following the race, T-Pain will headline the post-race concert. Coverage of the Preakness Stakes will begin on CNBC early Saturday, before moving to NBC and Peacock at 4 p.m. ET. Mike Tirico will host the broadcast.

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