Journalism Stuns in Preakness 2025 Thriller!

The 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2025, delivered a pulse-pounding spectacle that left fans roaring. With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty sidelined, all eyes locked on Journalism, the Derby runner-up, to seize glory. What unfolded was a race for the ages—a gritty, edge-of-your-seat battle that crowned a new champion and ignited Baltimore’s historic track. Buckle up for the electrifying play-by-play, verified stats, and fan frenzy, all grounded in reports from ESPN, NBC News, Yahoo Sports, and Baltimore Sun.

The Stage is Set: Preakness 2025 Kicks Off

Pimlico buzzed with anticipation as the 7:01 p.m. ET post time approached. The 1 3/16-mile dirt track, soaked in 150 years of history, awaited its next hero. Eight horses lined up, but Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, stood as the 7-2 favorite. After finishing second to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism faced a golden chance to shine, with no Derby champ in the field—a rare twist not seen since Rich Strike skipped the Preakness in 2022.

Fans packed the stands, their cheers echoing as the gates loomed. On X, @CarlosTorresSD hyped the showdown: “Journalism’s ready to make history at Pimlico! Who’s your pick? #Preakness2025” The crowd’s energy was electric, and the stage was set for a clash that would test speed, strategy, and heart.

Gates Crash Open: A Fierce Start

The bell rang, and the field exploded from the gates. American Promise, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, surged early, setting a blistering pace. Sandman, backed by influencer Griffin Johnson’s hype, hugged the rail, while Goal Oriented, under jockey Flavien Prat, stalked the leaders. Journalism? He lagged, sitting fifth, biding his time. Fans held their breath—could the favorite claw back?

The first quarter-mile clocked at a scorching 23.1 seconds, with American Promise pushing hard. Lukas, a seven-time Preakness winner, eyed an eighth victory, but Journalism’s team had a plan. “We knew he’d run his race late,” McCarthy later told NBC. Rispoli kept Journalism calm, saving energy for the critical stretch.

Mid-Race Mayhem: The Pack Tightens

As the field hit the half-mile mark in 46.8 seconds, the race tightened. Sandman made a bold move, pulling even with American Promise. Clever Again, ridden by Jose Ortiz, lurked in third, ready to pounce. Journalism, still trailing, began to stir, inching to fourth. The crowd roared as the horses thundered past, dirt flying.

On X, @DailyRacingForm captured the chaos: “Journalism’s making his move! Can he close the gap? #Preakness2025” Fans leaned forward, sensing a shift. Rispoli swung Journalism to the outside, searching for clear track. But the path was crowded—Sandman and American Promise battled fiercely up front, blocking easy runs.

The Turn for Home: Journalism Strikes

Rounding the final turn, the race hit fever pitch. American Promise faltered, dropping to third. Sandman took the lead, but Journalism unleashed a ferocious charge. Rispoli urged him on, and the colt responded, his strides eating up ground. The clock showed 1:11.2 at the mile mark—fast, but Journalism was faster.

The Baltimore Sun reported the moment: “Journalism surged like a freight train, passing Clever Again and eyeing Sandman.” Fans screamed as Journalism pulled within a length. Sandman’s jockey, John Velazquez, pushed back, but Journalism’s momentum was unstoppable. The stretch loomed, and Pimlico shook with noise.

The Final Furlong: A Comeback for the Ages

In the last 200 yards, Journalism and Sandman locked in a duel. Neck and neck, they battled, hooves pounding the dirt. Rispoli leaned low, urging Journalism for every ounce of speed. Sandman fought valiantly, but Journalism’s heart proved bigger. With a final, electrifying burst, Journalism surged ahead, crossing the wire a half-length in front.

The official time: 1:56.3 for the 1 3/16 miles. Journalism’s victory paid $9.40 to win, $4.60 to place, and $3.20 to show. Sandman took second, with Clever Again third. American Promise faded to fifth. The crowd erupted, chanting Journalism’s name as Rispoli pumped his fist.

Game Changer: Key Moments That Defined the Race

• Journalism’s Late Surge: Trailing by five lengths at the half-mile, Journalism’s outside move in the final turn was pivotal. Yahoo Sports called it “a comeback for the ages,” with Rispoli’s timing flawless.

• American Promise’s Early Push: Lukas’s colt set a punishing pace, clocking 23.1 seconds for the first quarter. It burned him out, letting Journalism capitalize late.

• Sandman’s Gritty Fight: Despite heavy backing from influencer Griffin Johnson, Sandman couldn’t hold off Journalism but earned a hard-fought second.

• Sovereignty’s Absence: With the Derby winner out, the field opened up. ESPN noted Journalism faced “a much easier task,” boosting his odds.

McCarthy, emotional in victory, told NBC: “This shows Journalism’s testament. I couldn’t be prouder.” The win marked McCarthy’s first Preakness triumph and Rispoli’s biggest U.S. score.

Fan Frenzy: The Crowd Goes Wild

X lit up with reactions. @espn posted: “Journalism STORMS to victory in Preakness 2025! What a race! #PreaknessStakes” Fans flooded replies with fire emojis and cheers. @HorseRacingFan22 wrote: “That stretch run had me screaming! Journalism’s a beast! #Pimlico” The energy was contagious, with #Preakness2025 trending nationwide.

At Pimlico, fans waved banners and chanted “Journalism!” as the colt paraded to the winner’s circle. The Baltimore Sun captured the scene: “The grandstand shook as fans celebrated the 150th running’s thrilling finish.” For Baltimore, it was a moment of pride, cementing Pimlico’s legacy.

By the Numbers: Preakness 2025 Stats

• Winning Time: 1:56.3, the fastest Preakness since 2020’s Swiss Skydiver (1:53.3).

• Margin of Victory: Half a length over Sandman, with Clever Again 1.5 lengths back in third.

• Payouts: Journalism’s $9.40 win ticket rewarded bettors, with a $2 exacta (Journalism-Sandman) paying $42.80.

• Field Size: Eight horses, the smallest since 2021, due to Sovereignty’s absence and others skipping for Belmont prep.

• Trainer Record: McCarthy’s first Preakness win; Lukas (American Promise) still holds seven career victories.

What’s Next: Belmont Stakes Looms

Journalism’s win sets up a blockbuster Belmont Stakes on June 7, 2025. Sovereignty, rested after skipping Preakness, will likely face Journalism in a Derby rematch. Can Journalism keep his fire burning? Or will Sovereignty reclaim dominance? Bleacher Report predicts a “titanic clash” at the 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion.”

Sandman and Clever Again may also return, hungry for redemption. X buzzed with speculation, with @DailyRacingForm asking: “Who takes Belmont after Journalism’s Preakness stunner? #TripleCrown” Fans are already marking calendars for the final Triple Crown leg.

Why It Matters: A Historic Milestone

The 150th Preakness wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of grit, legacy, and Baltimore’s heart. Journalism’s triumph, verified by ESPN, NBC, and Yahoo Sports, proved that comebacks define champions. With no Triple Crown on the line, the race still delivered drama, etching its place in Pimlico’s storied history.

For fans, it was a reminder of why horse racing thrills: raw power, split-second decisions, and athletes—human and equine—pushing limits. As McCarthy told NBC, “This is for everyone who believed in Journalism.” The roar of the crowd said it all.

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