Prize Money in Journalism at Preakness: Top Challengers in Maryland Horse Racing Event

Had a good two weeks of rest, horse racing fans? Because the second leg of the Triple Crown is almost upon us! This Saturday, the iconic Pimlico Race Course will host the Preakness Stakes, celebrating its 150th edition. Following the thrilling outcome of the Kentucky Derby, anticipation builds as all eyes turn to the race that promises to forge new racing legends, and none more so than on the promising colt, Journalism.

Initially viewed as the favorite coming out of the Kentucky Derby, Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, faced a disappointing second-place finish at Churchill Downs. He was unable to best the formidable Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, who delivered a stunning performance. However, just days before the Preakness, Mott announced that Sovereignty would miss the race due to a foot injury, dramatically shifting the dynamics in favor of Journalism. So, how do his prospects look as he heads to Maryland?

How Much Richer Could Journalism Get If It Wins at Pimlico?

Leading up to the race, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, one of Journalism’s co-owners, took to social media on May 11 to showcase the colt’s condition. “Journalism has been grand since the @KentuckyDerby and @mwmracing has green-lighted him to head to @PimlicoRC for the 150th @PreaknessStakes!” the post proudly declared. A video shared alongside these words showed Journalism galloping confidently under jockey Umberto Rispoli, signaling readiness ahead of the weekend showdown.

With odds set at 6-5, Journalism stands tall as a prime contender for victory. He was in a similar position during the Kentucky Derby; however, the rainy conditions served as a major challenge back then. Fortunately, weather forecasts for the Preakness appear promising, which is relief for fans and connections alike. Should McCarthy’s colt secure a win, how significantly could Journalism’s prize purse increase?

While exact figures for this year’s Preakness Stakes purse are yet to be officially announced, last year saw a total purse of $2 million, with the winner bagging a hefty $1.2 million. Given this precedent, it’s likely that the total amount in play this year will at least meet or exceed those numbers, making it a lucrative opportunity for Journalism if he triumphs. However, the path to glory is often fraught with competition.

Who Are the Competitors for the Preakness Stakes?

Though Sovereignty may not be present to challenge Journalism this weekend, the field is far from lacking in talent. Journalism, having already claimed victories at the 2025 Santa Anita and 2024 Los Alamitos races, is by no means unfamiliar with the pressures of high-stakes competition. The unpredictability of horse racing, however, means that even a single misstep can turn triumph into defeat in an instant.

Among the notable challengers will be Pay Billy, who recently emerged victorious in the Federico Tesio Stakes held on April 19. Trained by Michael Gorham, Pay Billy has already amassed $234,475 in career earnings. Gorham has noted that his horse seems to have matured and found a rhythm following his third birthday. “He turned a corner when he turned 3. We always thought he had a lot of talent and wanted to go further, and that’s the way it turned out,” Gorham shared, highlighting his colt’s enhanced capabilities.

Clever Again, the progeny of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, will also be in the mix, bringing with him a record of 2-1-0 from his three previous races. Having secured a victory in the $200,000 Hot Springs Stakes last March, he will aim to continue his winning streak at Pimlico. Additionally, Sandman, who finished seventh at the Kentucky Derby, will also challenge Journalism. His Hall of Famer trainer, Mark Casse, expressed optimism, saying, “He’s an extremely happy horse right now. It looks like the race might set up nice for him.”

Rounding out the lineup is Gosger, a 3-year-old coming off a triumphant performance at the Lexington Stakes (G3) in April, under the capable guidance of two-time Belmont Stakes-winning jockey Luis Saez. As the race unfolds, the real question remains: which of these fierce competitors will push Journalism to his limits? As the excitement builds for this iconic race, fans and participants alike anxiously await the answer.