Early Odds Show Bettors Backing Journalism

With many, many more dollars destined to be invested in the pool, early Preakness Stakes (G1) bettors are flocking to Journalism. The Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up stood at even money in the wagering as of 4:30 p.m. ET May 16. Journalism had been installed as an 8-5 morning-line favorite in the May 17 $2 million second jewel of the Triple Crown at Pimlico Race Course. Clever Again, the Hot Springs Stakes winner, was a narrow second choice at 5-1 odds. Right with him are Sandman (6-1) and Goal Oriented (7-1). The next three choices in the betting are also lumped together. American Promise, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, is 10-1, followed by River Thames and Pay Billy, both at 11-1. Those odds reflect contrasting thoughts on River Thames and Pay Billy. The grade 1-placed River Thames was priced at 9-2 in the morning line, while Pay Billy, the Maryland hopeful, was 20-1. Rounding out the field of nine, Gosger is 19-1 and Heart of Honor (GB) 23-1. A total of $526,758 was in the pool.