Horse Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes: Eddie Olczyk Picks & Best Bets
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished16 May 2025
Horse racing analyst Eddie Olczyk has announced his picks and best bets for the 2025 Preakness Stakes.
2025 Preakness Stakes: Odds & Post Positions
| Post | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goal Oriented | 6-1 |
| 2 | Journalism | 8-5 |
| 3 | American Promise | 15-1 |
| 4 | Heart of Honor | 12-1 |
| 5 | Pay Billy | 20-1 |
| 6 | River Thames | 9-2 |
| 7 | Sandman | 4-1 |
| 8 | Clever Again | 5-1 |
| 9 | Gosger | 20-1 |
2025 Preakness Stakes: Eddie Olczyk Picks & Best Bets
Concern for Journalism
Journalism was dubbed the best horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. However, the Michael McCarthy-owned horse finished second behind Sovereignty.
Journalism will now attempt to win the Preakness just two weeks after running in the Derby. The quick turnaround time is an issue for Olczyk.
“I’m a little concerned with Journalism coming back in two weeks,” Olyczyk told The Bet MGM Network. “I think he stands above all of these horses, but I’m going to try and beat him.”
Olczyk does believe Journalism can finish in the top three and will keep him on several of his tickets.
Watch Out For Bob Baffert And D. Wayne Lukas
Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas are two of the best trainers who excel at Pimlico.
Baffert’s eight wins at the Preakness Stakes are the most wins by a trainer in the event. Lukas is right behind Baffert with seven Preakness Stakes.
The last two horses to win were trained by Baffert and Lukas. Baffert’s National Treasure won in 2023, and Lukas’ Seize the Grey won in 2024.
In the 2025 Preakness Stakes, No. 1 Goal Oriented is trained by Baffert, and No. 3 American Promise is trained by Lukas.
While Olczyk respects Bob Baffert, he doesn’t think Goal Oriented is as quick as American Promise.
Because Goal Oriented and American Promise will take money because of their trainers, Olczyk believes there is value elsewhere.
Clever Again Is Olczyk’s Pick
Olczyk’s goal is to find the horse that beats Journalism. His pick is Clever Again.
“I like the No. 8 horse, Clever Again,” Olczyk said. “I think this was the target race all along.”
In his last start, Clever Again won the Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn Park in late March.
If the Preakness comes down to speed, Olczyk believes Clever Again will be in contention.
Olczyk called Clever Again the “fastest horse in the race.” If he gets the jump on every horse at the start, Olczyk hopes he will run “as far and as fast as he can.”
Coverage of the 2025 Preakness Stakes starts on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. ET from the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Watch on NBC and stream on Peacock. Post time is 6:50 p.m. ET.
