The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set to be a thrilling race with a record-breaking 14 horses competing, marking the return of the Triple Crown's middle jewel to Maryland's Laurel Park. This year's race promises to be a spectacle, with a diverse field of contenders and a few intriguing storylines to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
One of the most anticipated horses is Iron Honor, the morning-line favorite with 9-2 odds. Despite not racing in the Kentucky Derby, Iron Honor has shown promise, winning the Gotham Stakes and finishing seventh in the Wood Memorial Stakes. Jockey Flavien Prat, who rode Rombauer to victory in 2021, will be back in the saddle, aiming to bring home another Preakness win for trainer Chad Brown, who is chasing his third victory in the race.
Taj Mahal, with 5-1 odds, is another strong contender. Trained by Brittany Russell, Taj Mahal is undefeated, having won three races at Laurel Park, including the Miracle Wood Stakes and the Federico Tesio Stakes. Starting from the No. 1 post, Taj Mahal will be looking to avoid the rail and maintain his winning streak. Sheldon Russell, Brittany's husband, will be riding Taj Mahal, aiming for a fourth Preakness appearance and a better finish than his previous best of fifth place.
Chip Honcho, with 5-1 odds, is a dark bay colt who skipped the Derby for the Preakness. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Chip Honcho has had some success, winning the Gun Runner Stakes and finishing second in the Risen Star Stakes. Jockey Jose Ortiz, who rode Golden Tempo to victory in the Derby, will be in the saddle, aiming to bring home another Preakness win for Asmussen.
Incredibolt, with 5-1 odds, finished sixth in the Derby but is a strong contender for the Preakness. Trained by Riley Mott, Incredibolt has won the Virginia Derby and the Street Sense Stakes. Jaime Torres, who rode Seize the Grey to victory in 2024, will be back in the saddle, aiming to secure another Preakness win.
Ocelli, with 6-1 odds, is another horse to watch. Trained by Whit Beckman, Ocelli finished third in the Derby and competed in the Sam F. Davis Stakes, coming in sixth. Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Tuscan Gold to fourth place in 2024, will be back in the saddle, aiming to bring home another Preakness win for Beckman.
Napoleon Solo, with 8-1 odds, is a gray colt who finished fifth in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and won the Champagne Stakes. Paco Lopez, who finished fifth aboard Max Player in 2020, will be riding Napoleon Solo, aiming to secure a better finish than his previous Preakness appearance.
The race also features a few long-shot contenders, including Great White, Pretty Boy Miah, and The Hell We Did, all with 15-1 odds. Bull by the Horns, Corona de Oro, Crupper, and Robusta are also in the mix, with 30-1 odds.
The Preakness Stakes is a historic race, and this year's edition is no exception. With a record-breaking field and a mix of experienced and promising horses, the 2026 Preakness Stakes is sure to be an exciting and memorable event for horse racing fans.
