For the first time in 15 years, the Preakness Stakes is set to feature a complete field of 14 contenders, bringing renewed excitement to the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. The event will take place at Laurel Park, marking a significant moment for horse racing enthusiasts. However, for the second consecutive year and the third time since 2022, the victor of the Kentucky Derby will not be participating. Golden Tempo's trainer, Cherie DeVaux, confirmed that her colt requires additional recovery time before his next outing, which is anticipated to be the Belmont Stakes in June.
Only three horses from the May 2nd Louisville race are entered in the Preakness, among them Ocelli, who secured a third-place finish, and Incredibolt, who came in sixth. Despite their previous performances, neither of these horses has been designated as the early favorite. Instead, Iron Honor has claimed this distinction, with 9-2 odds after drawing the ninth gate in the recent post-position draw. Trained by Chad Brown, this colt, sired by Nyquist, boasts two victories from three career starts, including a win at the Gotham Stakes in February. However, this impressive win was followed by a less-than-stellar seventh-place showing at the Wood Memorial five weeks later, raising questions about his consistency.
Trainer Chad Brown, a two-time Preakness winner, expressed his surprise at Iron Honor being named the morning-line favorite, yet affirmed his belief that the horse is well-suited for this particular race. This sentiment underscores the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where past performances do not always dictate future outcomes. The presence of a full field adds another layer of complexity, promising a highly competitive and engaging contest for spectators and bettors alike.
Among the other notable contenders, Incredibolt shares 5-1 odds with Taj Mahal and Chip Honcho. Taj Mahal has an unblemished record of three wins in three starts, all achieved at Laurel Park. Also sired by Nyquist, Taj Mahal secured his spot in the Preakness by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes in April by more than eight lengths. A victory for Taj Mahal would be historic, as his trainer, Brittany Russell, aims to become the first female trainer to win the Preakness, with her husband Sheldon Russell as the jockey. However, their hopes face an early challenge as Taj Mahal drew the inside post, a position that can prove difficult for some horses. Brittany Russell remained philosophical, stating, "It is what it is. He's a good gate horse, and we'll just have to play it as it unfolds."
Chip Honcho, guided by trainer Steve Asmussen, enters the Preakness following a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Louisiana Derby. Prior to that, he secured a second-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes, where he notably finished five-and-a-half lengths ahead of Golden Tempo. Jose Ortiz, who rode Golden Tempo to victory in the Derby, will be aboard Chip Honcho, starting from the sixth post. Meanwhile, Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt will be looking for his fourth win in seven starts for trainer Riley Mott, with Jaime Torres in the saddle, breaking from the 12th post. Ocelli, a 70-1 longshot who surprised many with a third-place finish at the Kentucky Derby, now has 6-1 morning-line odds and will start from the second post. Trained by Whit Beckman, Ocelli has accumulated one second and five third-place finishes in seven races. Should Ocelli claim victory on Saturday, he would become the first maiden to win the Preakness since Refund in 1888, a remarkable feat that would etch his name in racing history. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione expressed confidence, stating, "He definitely earned his right to be here. He's competed against the top horses in the country and shows he deserves it. I think we have a big chance."
This year's Preakness Stakes is being held at Laurel Park, located strategically between Baltimore and Washington. This temporary venue change is due to the ongoing $400 million renovation of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the traditional home of the Preakness. The extensive upgrades at Pimlico are expected to be completed before next year's race, ensuring a modern and improved experience for future events. The decision to host at Laurel Park provides an opportunity for a new setting to witness this classic race, adding a unique chapter to the storied history of the Preakness.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is poised to be a memorable event, featuring a rare full field of 14 horses, including several strong contenders like Iron Honor, Taj Mahal, and Ocelli, all vying for the coveted second jewel of the Triple Crown at Laurel Park, while the Kentucky Derby winner takes a break.
