The roar of the crowd, the pounding of hooves, and the electric anticipation in the air – these are the hallmarks of the Preakness Stakes. But the 2025 edition isn’t just another chapter in horse racing history. It’s a potential game-changer, with Saffie Osborne aiming to become only the fourth female jockey to ever compete in this legendary race. And who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Riding Heart of Honor, Saffie Osborne brings a unique narrative to Pimlico Race Course. Can she defy the odds and etch her name into the record books? Let’s dive into the details.
The Road to Pimlico: Heart of Honor’s Journey
Heart of Honor isn’t your typical Preakness contender. Bred in Great Britain and honed on the dirt tracks of Dubai, this colt brings a global flair to the 150th Preakness Stakes. Trained by Jamie Osborne, Saffie’s father, the colt has been in training since October of last year, and has raced almost exclusively at Meydan Racecourse.
What’s his story? Before the Preakness, Heart of Honor boasts a solid record, with two wins and four second-place finishes in six starts. The colt’s past performances have earned him the nickname ‘seconditis’.
According to trainer Jamie Osborne, “There’s nothing for this horse to run in Europe; he’s an out-and-out dirt horse.” Is this gamble in the U.S. a stroke of genius or a shot in the dark? Only time will tell.
Osborne’s Track Record in the U.S.
This isn’t Jamie Osborne’s first rodeo in the U.S. He trained Toast of New York, who nearly clinched the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic. The parallels between Toast’s near-miss and Heart of Honor’s UAE Derby loss are certainly intriguing. Could history repeat itself, but with a triumphant twist?
Saffie Osborne: A Rising Star
Saffie Osborne is a name you’ll want to remember. The 23-year-old Briton is carving her own path in the racing world. Fresh off a win at Ascot, she’s ready to tackle the Preakness challenge. Talk about a whirlwind!
Jamie Osborne’s decision to have his daughter ride Heart of Honor isn’t just sentimental; it’s strategic. “She’s part of the team and there was never consideration to go in a different direction,” he stated. He also enjoys working with her and feels it makes him younger.
Preakness Stakes 2025: The Contenders and Odds
The field is set, and the competition is fierce. Here’s a quick look at the horses, trainers, jockeys, and their morning-line odds:
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Oriented | Bob Baffert | Flavien Prat | 6-1 |
| Journalism | Michael McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 8-5 |
| American Promise | D. Wayne Lukas | Nik Juarez | 15-1 |
| Heart of Honor | Jamie Osborne | Saffie Osborne | 12-1 |
| Pay Billy | Michael Gorham | Raul Mena | 20-1 |
| River Thames | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 9-2 |
| Sandman | Mark Casse | John Velazquez | 4-1 |
| Clever Again | Steve Asmussen | Jose Ortiz | 5-1 |
| Gosger | Brendan Walsh | Luis Saez | 20-1 |
As you can see, Journalism is the favorite, but don’t count out Heart of Honor. The Preakness is known for upsets, right?
Want to know who the oddsmakers are keeping their eye on? Pete Rotondo from 1st Racing breaks it down in this video.
Why Sovereignty’s Absence Matters
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will be sitting this one out, focusing on the Belmont Stakes. This absence shakes things up, potentially opening the door for other contenders. Will Journalism capitalize on this opportunity? Or will an underdog like Heart of Honor steal the show?
Heart of Honor: Strengths and Weaknesses
What does Heart of Honor bring to the table? He’s a proven dirt horse with stamina, having already run the Preakness distance twice. He also has Jamie Osborne in his corner for knowledge and skill.
However, his history of close finishes raises concerns. Can he finally break through and secure a definitive win? Also, he has never raced in the U.S.
The Osborne Perspective
Jamie Osborne admits entering Heart of Honor in the Preakness is a bit of a gamble. However, he emphasizes the colt’s strengths and their unique approach. Is their “shoot-in-the-dark” strategy a recipe for disaster or a stroke of brilliance?
The European Touch: Heart of Honor’s Unique Background
Heart of Honor is a European contender in a traditionally American race. As Jamie Osborne stated, “It’s like reading Swahili for me.” Can they bridge the cultural gap and conquer the American dirt track?
According to Jamie Osborne, his entry in the May 17 Preakness Stakes, hasn’t been a starter in the second leg of the Triple Crown bred outside of North America since the Irelandbred Celtic Ash in 1960.
WBAL-TV shares their picks for the winner of the 150th Preakness Stakes. Are they on your wavelength?
The Final Preparations: Gearing Up for the Big Day
Heart of Honor had a busy morning, including a one-mile gallop and schooling in the paddock. Saffie Osborne emphasized the importance of this preparation, especially given the differences in American starting gates.
Osborne said that he had requested to saddle the horse at the barn before walking over to the racetrack, saying the colt can be a prick to get the saddle on. Therefore, Heart of Honor will saddle inside the paddock rather than during the traditional Preakness saddling on the turf course in front of the stands.
How to Watch the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Ready to tune in? Here’s how to catch all the action:
- Date: Saturday, May 17th
- Coverage: CNBC, FanDuel TV, NBC, Telemundo, Universo
- Streaming: FanDuel TV, NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com, Peacock
- Post Time: Approximately 7:01 p.m. ET
WJZ takes you live to Pimlico Race Course, highlighting the atmosphere of Black Eyed Susan Day and the anticipation for the Preakness Stakes.
A Historic Moment for Female Jockeys
Saffie Osborne’s participation in the Preakness is more than just a race; it’s a statement. It’s a step forward for female jockeys in a sport that has historically been dominated by men. Will she inspire a new generation of female riders?
The $2 Million Purse: What’s at Stake?
Beyond the glory and the history, there’s a hefty $2 million purse on the line. But for the Osbornes, it seems to be about more than just the money. This is about the experience, the challenge, and the pursuit of something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts: Is Heart of Honor the Dark Horse of the 2025 Preakness?
Heart of Honor’s journey to the Preakness is a testament to the unpredictable nature of horse racing. With Saffie Osborne in the saddle, they bring a unique blend of international flair and unwavering determination. Can they defy the odds and claim victory? Whether they win or lose, their story is sure to captivate racing fans around the globe.
So, will you be betting on Heart of Honor? Or do you have your eyes on another contender? The 2025 Preakness Stakes promises to be a race for the ages!
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett.
Preakness Stakes 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
The 2025 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at Pimlico Race Course.
How can I watch the Preakness Stakes?
You can watch the race on CNBC, FanDuel TV, NBC, Telemundo, and Universo. It will also be streamed on FanDuel TV, NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com, and Peacock.
Who is Saffie Osborne?
Saffie Osborne is a 23-year-old British jockey aiming to become only the fourth female jockey to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The Final Stretch: A Moment of History
The 2025 Preakness Stakes is poised to be a historic event, with Saffie Osborne’s participation adding a unique layer of excitement. Whether Heart of Honor defies the odds or another contender emerges victorious, this race promises to be a memorable chapter in horse racing history.
