How to Watch the 2026 Preakness Stakes, Date, Full Field Odds, Past Winners, and Expert Analysis

HORSE RACING

May 11, 2026

Master the Middle Jewel: 2026 Preakness Stakes Schedule and Venue

The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is set to ignite the racing world on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This year represents a historic shift as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” moves temporarily to Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a massive $400 million redevelopment. For horse racing fans planning their weekend, the festivities begin early. NBC Sports provides comprehensive coverage starting at 1:00 PM ET on Peacock, with the main event broadcast beginning at 4:00 PM ET on NBC. You should prepare for a post time of approximately 6:50 PM ET.

This shift to Laurel Park significantly changes the handicapping landscape, making it essential to evaluate how these three-year-olds handle a different Maryland surface. When you look at the Preakness Stakes odds, the change in venue adds a layer of complexity that savvy bettors can exploit for higher payouts.

Navigating the Laurel Park Racecard and Expected Weather

The weather forecast for Laurel, Maryland, on May 16, 2026, looks nearly perfect for fast dirt racing. Experts predict mostly sunny skies with temperatures peaking at a comfortable 26°C (79°F). With only a 10% chance of precipitation, we expect a “Fast” track rating, which favors horses with high cruising speed. The weekend racecard at Laurel Park is packed with 15 stakes races across Friday and Saturday, including the prestigious Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on Friday, May 15.

Because Laurel’s main track features a slightly different configuration than Pimlico, pay close attention to horses that have previously won at this specific oval. This is the time to bet on Preakness Stakes contenders who show versatility in their running styles, as the Laurel stretch can be demanding for those who move too early.

Expert Breakdown of the 2026 Preakness Stakes Contenders

Understanding the individual profiles of the 14-horse field is the key to a winning ticket. We see a mix of Kentucky Derby alumni and fresh “new shooters” ready to tackle the 1 3/16-mile distance. The Preakness Stakes betting market is currently fluid, but the following breakdown provides the official data you need to make an informed decision.

PP	Horse / Jockey	Odds
2026 Preakness Stakes Odds and Post Positions
1	Taj MahalSheldon Russell	5/1
2	OcelliTyler Gaffalione	6/1
3	CrupperJunior Alvarado	30/1
4	RobustaRafael Bejarano	30/1
5	TalkinIrad Ortiz Jr.	20/1
6	Chip HonchoJose Ortiz	5/1
7	The Hell We DidLuis Saez	15/1
8	Bull by the HornsMicah Husbands	30/1
9	Iron HonorFlavien Prat	9/2
10	Napoleon SoloPaco Lopez	8/1
11	Corona de OroJohn Velazquez	30/1
12	IncrediboltJaime Torres	5/1
13	Great WhiteAlex Achard	15/1
14	Pretty Boy MiahRicardo Santana Jr.	15/1

1. Taj Mahal (5/1)

Trainer: B. Russell | Jockey: S. Russell

This local hero is the definition of “horse for course.” Undefeated in three starts at Laurel Park, Taj Mahal recently dominated the Federico Tesio Stakes by over eight lengths. Sired by Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, he possesses the tactical speed to sit just off the lead. His familiarity with the Laurel surface gives him a distinct home-court advantage that the out-of-towners lack.

2. Ocelli (6/1)

Trainer: W. Beckman | Jockey: T. Gaffalione

Ocelli remains a maiden, but his third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby proved he belongs with the elite. He finished strongly in the Run for the Roses, and the shorter distance of the Preakness might be exactly what he needs to finally find the winner’s circle. If he wins, he will be the first horse since 1888 to break his maiden in the Preakness Stakes.

3. Crupper (30/1)

Trainer: D. K. Von Hemel | Jockey: J. Alvarado

A massive longshot in the current Preakness Stakes odds, Crupper needs to find a significant turn of foot to compete here. He typically settles in the back of the pack, which can be a difficult strategy when the pace is slow. However, Von Hemel is a patient trainer who wouldn’t enter a horse unless he saw a potential for a massive upset.

4. Robusta (30/1)

Trainer: D. O’Neill | Jockey: R. Bejarano

Doug O’Neill is no stranger to Triple Crown success, but Robusta has struggled against graded stakes company recently. He will likely try to use his early speed to clear the field from the inside post. While his odds are high, he could hang on for a minor piece of the exotic wagers if the favorites encounter traffic trouble.

5. Talkin (20/1)

Trainer: D. Gargan | Jockey: I. Ortiz Jr.

Any horse ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. deserves a second look. Talkin comes in with a “grinder” profile, showing he can sustain a long run. While he lacks the flashy speed of Taj Mahal, he is the type of horse that could capitalize if a speed duel develops on the front end. His 20/1 price offers decent value for underneath positions in your trifecta.

6. Chip Honcho (5/1)

Trainer: S. Asmussen | Jockey: J. Ortiz

Steve Asmussen knows exactly what it takes to win in Maryland, having conditioned legends like Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. Chip Honcho is a physically imposing colt who has shown great improvement in every start this spring. With Jose Ortiz in the irons, expect this contender to be heavily backed in the Preakness Stakes betting pools come Saturday.

7. The Hell We Did (15/1)

Trainer: T. Fincher | Jockey: L. Sáez

This California transplant brings a bit of West Coast flair to Laurel. The Hell We Did has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Luis Sáez is an aggressive rider who will likely send this horse forward early. If he can relax on the lead, he could be a dangerous gate-to-wire threat at a double-digit price.

8. Bull By The Horns (30/1)

Trainer: S. Joseph Jr. | Jockey: M. Husbands

Bull By The Horns enters off a disappointing effort in his final prep race. Saffie Joseph Jr. is a high-percentage trainer, but this colt seems to be a step behind the top-tier talent in this field. He would need a complete collapse of the favorites and a career-best performance to hit the board here.

9. Iron Honor (9/2)

Trainer: C. Brown | Jockey: F. Prat

The morning-line favorite for a reason, Iron Honor represents the powerful Chad Brown stable. Brown has won the Preakness twice with Early Voting and Cloud Computing, often using the strategy of skipping the Derby to arrive fresh in Baltimore. Iron Honor has been training exceptionally well and possesses a devastating closing kick that should play well on the Laurel Park dirt.

10. Napoleon Solo (8/1)

Trainer: C. Summers | Jockey: P. López

Napoleon Solo is a versatile runner who can adapt to any pace scenario. Paco López is known for his “Fire on Board” riding style, which means this horse will be put into the race early. He has enough stamina to stay the trip, making him a very attractive option for those looking to bet on Preakness Stakes runners with high upside.

11. Corona de Oro (30/1)

Trainer: D. Stewart | Jockey: J. Velázquez

Hall of Famer John Velázquez takes the mount on this longshot, which usually indicates the horse is doing better than the odds suggest. Corona de Oro has a pedigree geared toward distance, but his recent speed figures are significantly lower than those of the favorites. He remains a speculative play at best for the most adventurous bettors.

12. Incredibolt (5/1)

Trainer: R. Mott | Jockey: J. Torres

Bill Mott is a master at peaking a horse for the big dance. Incredibolt is coming off a sharp victory in his last outing and has the “buzz” of a horse on the rise. Jaime Torres is a rising star in the jockey standings and won this race in 2024 with Seize the Grey. This duo could easily provide another upset on the Triple Crown trail.

13. Great White (15/1)

Trainer: J. Ennis | Jockey: A. Achard

Great White is a sturdy colt who rarely runs a bad race. While he hasn’t yet shown the “Elite” speed necessary to win a Triple Crown race, he is extremely durable. He is a “must-use” at the bottom of your superfecta tickets, as he is almost guaranteed to be passing tiring horses in the final furlong.

14. Pretty Boy Miah (15/1)

Trainer: J. C. Englehart | Jockey: R. Santana Jr.

Drawing the outside post is never ideal, but Pretty Boy Miah has the speed to overcome it. Ricardo Santana Jr. will have to make a quick decision in the first turn to avoid being hung out wide. If he can’t tuck in behind the leaders, he has the talent to make a run at the top three, especially if the track is playing fast.

Historical Context and Past Winners of the Middle Jewel

The Preakness Stakes is steeped in tradition, featuring a wall of fame that includes legends like Secretariat, Affirmed, and American Pharoah. In 2025, Journalism took the crown from Michael McCarthy in a thrilling finish. Looking back at the last decade, we see winners like Seize The Grey (2024), National Treasure (2023), and Early Voting (2022). Historically, the race has been more predictable than the Kentucky Derby, often favoring horses with tactical speed.

However, the move to Laurel Park in 2026 breaks the “Old Hilltop” trend, meaning historical data from Pimlico might carry less weight this year. You should analyze the Preakness Stakes odds with this venue change in mind, as the 1 3/16-mile distance at Laurel is a rare test.

Year	Winner	Jockey	Trainer	Time
2025	Journalism	Umberto Rispoli	Michael W. McCarthy	1:55.47
2024	Seize The Grey	Jaime Torres	D.Wayne Lukas	1:56.82
2023	National Treasure	John Velazquez	Steven M. Asmussen	1:55.12
2022	Early Voting	Jose Ortiz	Chad Brown	1:54.54
2021	Rombauer	Flavien Prat	Michael McCarthy	1:53.62
2020	Swiss Skydiver	Robby Albarado	Kenny McPeek	1:53.28
2019	War of Will	Tyler Gaffalione	Mark E. Casse	1:54:34
2018	Justify	Mike E. Smith	Bob Baffert	1:55:93
2017	Cloud Computing	Javier Castellano	Chad Brown	1:55:98
2016	Exaggerator	Kent Desormeaux	Keith Desormeaux	1:58:31
2015	American Pharoah	Victor Espinoza	Bob Baffert	1:58:46
2014	California Chrome	Victor Espinoza	Art Sherman	1:54.84
2013	Oxbow	Gary Stevens	D. W. Lukas	1:57.54
2012	I'll Have Another	Mario Gutierrez	Doug O'Neill	1:55.94
2011	Shackleford	Jesus Castanon	Dale Romans	1:56.47
2010	Lookin at Lucky	Martin Garcia	Bob Baffert	1:55.47
2009	Rachel Alexandra	Calvin Borel	Steve Asmussen	1:55.08
2008	Big Brown	Kent Desormeaux	Richard Dutrow, Jr.	1:54.80
2007	Curlin	Robby Albarado	Steve Asmussen	1:53 2/5
2006	Bernadini	Tom Albertrani	Javier Castellano	1:54.65
2005	Afleet Alex	Jeremy Rose	Tim Ritchey	1:55.04
2004	Smarty Jones	Stewart Elliott	John Servis	1:55.59
2003	Funny Cide	Jose Santos	Barclay Tagg	1:55.61
2002	War Emblem	Victor Espinoza	Bob Baffert	1:56 2/5
2001	Point Given	Gary Stevens	Bob Baffert	1:55 2/5
2000	Red Bullet	Jerry Bailey	Joe Orseno	1:56
1999	Charismatic	Chris Antley	D. Wayne Lukas	1:55 1/5
1998	Real Quiet	Kent Desormeaux	Bob Baffert	1:54 4/5
1997	Silver Charm	Gary Stevens	Bob Baffert	1:54 2/5
1996	Louis Quatorze	Pat Day	Nick Zito	1:53 2/5
1995	Timber Country	Pat Day	D. Wayne Lukas	1:54 2/5
1994	Tabasco Cat	Pat Day	D. Wayne Lukas	1:56 2/5
1993	Prairie Bayou	Mike Smith	Tom Bohannan	1:56 3/5
1992	Pine Bluff	Chris McCarron	Tom Bohannan	1:55 3/5
1991	Hansel	Jerry Bailey	Frank Brothers	1:54
1990	Summer Squall	Pat Day	Neil Howard	1:53 3/5
1989	Sunday Silence	Pat Valenzuela	Charlie Whittingham	1:53 4/5
1988	Risen Star	Eddie Delahoussaye	Louie Roussel III	1:56 1/5
1987	Alysheba	Chris McCarron	Jack Van Berg	1:55 4/5
1986	Snow Chief	Alex Solis	Melvin Stute	1:54 4/5
1984	Gate Dancer	Angel Cordero Jr.	Jack Van Berg	1:53 3/5
1983	Deputed Testamony	Donald Miller Jr.	Bill Boniface	1:55 2/5
1981	Pleasant Colony	Jorge Velasquez	John Campo	1:54 3/5
1980	Codex	Angel Cordero Jr.	D. Wayne Lukas	1:54 1/5
1979	Spectacular Bid	Ron Franklin	Bud Delp	1:54 1/5
1978	Affirmed	Steve Cauthen	Laz Barrera	1:54 2/5
1977	Seattle Slew	Jean Cruguet	Billy Turner	1:54 2/5
1976	Elocutionist	John Lively	Paul Adwell	1:55
1975	Master Derby	Darrel McHargue	Smiley Adams	1:56 2/5
1974	Little Current	Miguel Rivera	Lou Rondinello	1:54 3/5
1973	Secretariat	Ron Turcotte	Lucien Laurin	1:54.40
1972	Bee Bee Bee	Eldon Nelson	Red Carroll	1:55 3/5
1971	Canonero II	Gustavo Avila	Juan Arias	1:54
1970	Personality	Eddie Belmonte	John Jacobs	1:56 1/5
1969	Majestic Prince	Bill Hartack	Johnny Longden	1:55 3/5
1968	Forward Pass	Ismael Valenzuela	Henry Forrest	1:56.4/5
1967	Damascus	Bill Shoemaker	Frank Whiteley	1:55 1/5
1966	Kauai King	Don Brumfield	Henry Forrest	1:55 2/5
1965	Tom Rolfe	Ron Turcotte	Frank Whiteley	1:56 1/5
1964	Northern Dancer	Bill Hartack	Horatio Luro	1:56 4/5
1963	Candy Spots	Bill Shoemaker	Mesh Tenney	1:56 1/5
1962	Greek Money	John Rotz	V. W. Raines	1:56 1/5
1961	Carry Back	John Sellers	Jack Price	1:57 3/5
1960	Bally Ache	Bobby Ussery	Jimmy Pitt	1:57 3/5
1959	Royal Orbit	William Harmatz	R. Cornell	1:57
1958	Tim Tam	Ismael Valenzuela	Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones	1:57 1/5
1957	Bold Ruler	Eddie Arcaro	Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons	1:56 1/5
1956	Fabius	Bill Hartack	Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones	1:58 2/5
1955	Nashua	Eddie Arcaro	Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons	1:54 3/5
1954	Hasty Road	Johnny Adams	Harry Trotsek	1:57.40
1953	Native Dancer	Eric Guerin	Bill Winfrey	1:57 4/5
1952	Blue Man	Conn McCreary	Woody Stephens	1:57 2/5
1951	Bold	Eddie Arcaro	Preston Burch	1:56 2/5
1950	Hill Prince	Eddie Arcaro	Casey Hayes	1:59 1/5
1949	Capot	Ted Atkinson	John M. Gaver	1:56
1948	Citation	Eddie Arcaro	Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones	2:02 2/5
1947	Faultless	Doug Dodson	Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones	1:59
1946	Assault	Warren Mehrtens	Max Hirsch	2:01 2/5
1945	Polynesian	W. D. Wright	Morris Dixon	1:58 4/5
1944	Pensive	Conn McCreary	Ben A. Jones	1:59 1/5
1943	Count Fleet	Johnny Longden	Don Cameron	1:57 2/5
1942	Alsab	Basil James	Sarge Swenke	1:57
1941	Whirlaway	Eddie Arcaro	Ben A. Jones	1:58 4/5
1940	Bimelech	F. A. Smith	Bill Hurley	1:58 3/5
1939	Challedon	George Seabo	Louis Schaefer	1:59 4/5
1938	Dauber	Maurice Peters	Dick Handlen	1:59 4/5
1937	War Admiral	Charley Kurtsinger	George Conway	1:58 2/5
1936	Bold Venture	George Woolf	Max Hirsch	1:59
1935	Omaha	Willie Saunders	Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons	1:58 2/5
1934	High Quest	Robert Jones	Bob Smith	1:58 1/5
1933	Head Play	Charley Kurtsinger	Thomas Hayes	2:02
1932	Burgoo King	Eugene James	Henry J. "Dick" Thompson	1:59 4/5
1931	Mate	George Ellis	James W. Healy	1:59
1930	Gallant Fox	Earl Sande	Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons	2:00 3/5
1929	Dr. Freeland	Louis Schaefer	Thomas J. Healey	2:01 3/5
1928	Victorian	Sonny Workman	James Rowe, Jr.	2:00 1/5
1927	Bostonian	Whitey Abel	Fred Hopkins	2:01 3/5
1926	Display	John Maiben	Thomas J. Healey	1:59 4/5
1925	Coventry	Clarence Kummer	William Duke	1:59
1924	Nellie Morse	John Merimee	A. B. Gordon	1:57 1/5
1923	Vigil	Benny Marinelli	Thomas J. Healey	1:53 3/5
1922	Pillory	L. Morris	Thomas J. Healey	1:51 3/5
1921	Broomspun	Frank Coltiletti	James Rowe, Sr.	1:54 1/5
1919	Sir Barton	Johnny Loftus	H. Guy Bedwell	1:53
1918	Jack Hare Jr.	Charles Peak	F. D. Weir	1:53 2/5
1918	War Cloud	Johnny Loftus	W. B. Jennings	1:53 3/5
1917	Kalitan	E. Haynes	Bill Hurley	1:54 2/5
1916	Damrosch	Linus McAtee	A. G. Weston	1:54 4/5
1915	Rhine Maiden	Douglas Hoffman	F. Devers	1:58
1914	Holiday	Andy Schuttinger	J. S. Healy	1:53 4/5
1913	Buskin	James Butwell	John Whalen	1:53 2/5
1912	Colonel Holloway	Clarence Turner	D. Woodford	1:56 3/5
1911	Watervale	Eddie Dugan	John Whalen	1:51
1910	Layminster	Roy Estep	J. S. Healy	1:40 3/5
1909	Effendi	Willie Doyle	F. C. Frisbie	1:39 4/5
1908	Royal Tourist	Eddie Dugan	Andrew J. Joyner	1:46 2/5
1907	Don Enrique	G. Mountain	John Whalen	1:45 2/5
1906	Whimsical	Walter Miller	T. J. Gaynor	1:45
1905	Cairngorm	W. Davis	Andrew J. Joyner	1:45 4/5
1904	Bryn Mawr	E. Hildebrand	W. F. Presgrave	1:44 1/5
1903	Flocarline	W. Gannon	H. C. Riddle	1:44 4/5
1902	Old England	L. Jackson	G. B. Morris	1:45 4/5
1901	The Parader	F. Landry	Thomas J. Healey	1:47 1/5
1900	Hindus	H. Spencer	J. H. Morris	1:48 2/5
1899	Half Time	R. Clawson	Frank McCabe	1:47
1898	Sly Fox	Willie Simms	Hardy Campbell	1:49 3/4
1897	Paul Kauvar	T. Thorpe	T. P. Hayes	1:51 1/4
1896	Margrave	Henry Griffin	Byron McClelland	1:51
1895	Belmar	Fred Taral	E. Feakes	1:50 1/2
1894	Assignee	Fred Taral	W. Lakeland	1:49 1/4
1890	Montague	W. Martin	E. Feakes	2:36 3/4
1889	Buddhist	George B. Anderson	J. Rogers	2:17 1/2
1888	Refund	Fred Littlefield	Robert W. Walden	2:49
1887	Dunboyne (horse)	William Donohue	W. Jennings	2:39 1/2
1886	The Bard	S. Fisher	J. Huggins	2:45
1885	Tecumseh	Jim McLaughlin	Charles Littlefield	2:49
1884	Knight of Ellerslie	S. Fisher	T. B. Doswell	2:39 1/2
1883	Jacobus	George Barbee	R. Dwyer	2:42 1/2
1882	Vanguard	T. Costello	Robert W. Walden	2:44 1/2
1881	Saunterer	T. Costello	Robert W. Walden	2:40 1/2
1880	Grenada	Lloyd Hughes	Robert W. Walden	2:40 1/2
1879	Harold	Lloyd Hughes	Robert W. Walden	2:40 1/2
1878	Duke of Magenta	C. Holloway	Robert W. Walden	2:41 3/4
1877	Cloverbrook	C. Holloway	J. Walden	2:45 1/2
1876	Shirley	George Barbee	W. Brown	2:44.75
1875	Tom Ochiltree	Lloyd Hughes	Robert W. Walden	2:43 1/2
1874	Culpepper	William Donohue	H. Gaffney	2:56 1/2
1873	Survivor	George Barbee	A. D. Pryor	2:43

2026 Preakness Stakes Betting Strategy and Expert Analysis

BUSR handicappers’ final analysis suggests that the local advantage of Taj Mahal cannot be overstated. While Iron Honor is the deserved favorite based on speed figures, the Laurel Park surface is unique. We recommend a “Key” betting strategy, using Taj Mahal and Iron Honor on top of your tickets.

For those looking for a “Longshot Special,” Ocelli is the clear choice; his Derby performance showed he has the class to compete, and his odds will be enticing. The 2026 Preakness Stakes promises to be a legendary chapter in horse racing history. Don’t miss your chance to bet on Preakness Stakes action and witness the crowning of a new champion in the heart of Maryland.

Catch the Thrill: Sign Up and Bet Now

The 2026 Preakness Stakes is more than just a race; it is a historic moment where tradition meets a new era at Laurel Park. With a field this deep and the move to a new venue, the opportunities for big payouts are unprecedented. Whether you are backing the local hero Taj Mahal or the powerhouse Iron Honor, now is the time to secure your position. Register today, analyze the latest Preakness Stakes odds, and prepare your bankroll for the most exciting two minutes in Maryland. Don’t let the “Middle Jewel” pass you by; get in on the action and place your winning bets right now.

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