Sandman, the striking gray colt co-owned by social media influencer Griffin Johnson, has attracted significant attention in horse racing, particularly following his recent appearance in the Kentucky Derby. Despite generating a lively fan base and expectations, Sandman finished in seventh place, falling short of hopes as the second choice in a competitive 19-horse field. However, he has a chance for redemption on Saturday as he prepares to participate in the 2025 Preakness Stakes.
After his Derby performance, Trainer Mark Casse shared insights that may explain Sandman’s underwhelming finish, noting that the colt experienced minor hoof tenderness leading up to the race, which required him to wear specialized shoes. Despite this, Casse emphasized that if the condition had been serious, Sandman would not have run at the Derby. His prior win at the Arkansas Derby raised hopes, but it highlighted concerns about his performance consistency; his Beyer Speed Figure from that race was an impressive 99, yet he has struggled to replicate similar performances in other graded stakes events.
The Preakness Stakes offers a potentially different race dynamic, with early speed horses like Goal Oriented, who previously led from the front, likely to create a fast pace. This could favor Sandman if he can execute his late-running style effectively. His morning-line odds have placed him at 4-1, and his remarkable following suggests those odds might shift as enthusiasm builds.
As fans look ahead to the 150th Preakness Stakes on May 17, there will be close attention on Sandman’s strategy, particularly how he navigates his starting position and the talents of his jockey, John Velazquez. While the pressures of the Derby linger, Sandman’s growing reputation and thrilling racing style bring plenty of excitement to this next race.
With the Preakness on the horizon, Sandman has a unique opportunity to showcase his abilities and possibly secure a victory that would please his passionate new fan base, reinforcing the notion that there is always a chance for second chances in the sport of horse racing.