Back-to-back maiden and allowance optional claiming wins have thrust Goal Oriented into the picture as a 2025 Preakness (G1) contender.

The up-and-coming colt has shown versatility in terms of running style, rallying from off the pace to win his debut sprinting six furlongs before stretching out to win his second start over 1 1/16 miles in gate-to-wire fashion. His pedigree suggests additional versatility may be forthcoming; not only are classic distances like the 1 3/16-mile journey of the Preakness within reach, but he may also have potential for success on turf.

Goal Oriented’s sire is Not This Time, an early-maturing juvenile who starred on dirt while winning the Iroquois (G3) and finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). Not This Time never raced beyond age two, or beyond 1 1/16 miles, but it’s possible he would have thrived with additional distance and maturity. His half-brother Liam’s Map won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and 1 1/8-mile Woodward (G1) at age four, while Not This Time’s sire—Giant’s Causeway—excelled over classic distances and is a renowned source of stamina in pedigrees.

At stud, Not This Time has developed a striking profile. His progeny have won over a wide variety of distances and surfaces. Epicenter was voted champion three-year-old male of 2022 after winning the 1 1/4-mile Travers (G1) and placing second in the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness. Up to the Mark earned champion turf male honors after nabbing three Grade 1 prizes over distances from one mile to 1 1/4 miles. Cogburn set a North American record for 5 1/2 furlongs on turf when taking the Jaipur (G1), Sibelius proved his worth as a dirt sprinter in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), and Next has cleaned up North America’s best dirt marathons over distances up to 1 3/4 miles.

A few of Not This Time’s sons have performed well in the Kentucky Derby. In addition to Epicenter, graded stakes winners Simplification and Final Gambit have recorded fourth-place finishes in the Run for the Roses.

Giant’s Causeway was capable of siring top-notch dirt and turf horses alike, and it appears Not This Time is following suit. That’s notable for Goal Oriented since the dam's side of his pedigree also contains potential for grass success.

Goal Oriented’s dam is Bizzy Caroline, a daughter of Afleet Alex. The latter was a top-tier dirt racer voted champion three-year-old male of 2005 after winning the Preakness and 1 1/2-mile Belmont (G1), and at stud he’s best known for siring dirt horses like Travers winner Afleet Express, 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero Texas Red, 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby (G1) conqueror Materiality, and 1 3/4-mile Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Afleet Again.

But Bizzy Caroline developed in a different direction, showing her best form on turf. Her biggest wins came in the 1 1/8-mile Regret (G3) and 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep H. (G3), though she also stretched out over 1 3/8 miles to finish second in the Glens Falls (G3), showing above-average stamina.

Bizzy Caroline may have inherited her turf prowess from her dam, Sacre Coeur. Winner of a 1 1/16-mile grass maiden special weight at Aqueduct, Sacre Coeur is renowned as the dam of 2017 champion turf female Lady Eli. This standout grass competitor won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), Belmont Oaks (G1), Flower Bowl (G1), Gamely (G1), and Diana (G1) over distances from one mile to 1 1/8 miles.

Join us for Preakness!

Join us for Preakness for exclusive LIVE race day coverage, including interviews, breaking horse racing news, expert picks, in-depth handicapping analysis, LIVE odds, and more. It is sure to be a great day of racing with a packed field of worthy contenders all running for the winner's circle.