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  23-1.

A total of $526,758 was in the pool.