Sovereignty, the winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, has announced it will skip the Preakness Stakes to prepare for the Belmont Stakes, ending its bid for the Triple Crown this year. This decision reflects a broader trend of 'load management' among horse owners and trainers, who are increasingly giving their top horses more rest between major races. The absence of Sovereignty has impacted viewership, with NBC experiencing a dip in ratings for the Preakness, which drew 17.7 million viewers—down from the peak of 21.8 million during the Derby. Historically, horses that skip the Preakness see a significant decline in audience interest, as seen with past winners like Country House and Rich Strike. The debate over the race schedule continues, with many advocating for extending the rest period between the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont to revive the Triple Crown's prestige. NBC is focusing on the rivalry between trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas to boost interest. The 150th Preakness Stakes will be held on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, with a competitive field including favorites like Journalism and Sandman. Despite the reduced excitement due to Sovereignty's absence, the race remains a key event with historical significance and strong betting odds.