See below the expected 2026 Preakness Stakes runners and profiles ahead of the 151st running of the Black-Eyed Susans, which this year will be staged at Laurel Park racetrack with Pimlico being refurbished.
With the final 14 runners now listed and the key Preakness Stakes post positions.
Preakness Stakes Race Details
📅 Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
⌚ Time: 7:01pm ET
🏇 Racecourse: Laurel Park
🔄 Trip: 1m 1 1/2f
💷 Preakness Stakes Purse: $2m
📺 TV: Sky Sports Racing / NBC / Peacock
Who will be landing the lucrative Preakness Stakes purse in 2026?
2026 Preakness Stakes Runners, Post Positions, Jockeys, Trainers, Profile and Recent Form
Preakness Runners and Post Positions
See below the final 14 Preakness Stakes runners, riders, recent form and trainers ahead of the 151st running of the second US Triple Crown race, which is being staged at Laurel Park this year.
You can also see the key post positions plus the latest Preakness Stakes betting odds and which horses are favorite to land the Black Eyed-Susan’s on Saturday.
1. Taj Mahal
- Trainer: Brittany Russell
- Jockey: Sheldon Russell
- Post Position: 1
- Sire: Nyquist
- Recent Record: 1-1-1 in three career starts
- Last race: Won Federico Tesio on April 18 at Laurel Park
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 5/1
Taj Mahal came out of his “bullet” work on Saturday feeling so good that trainer Brittany Russell scrapped his scheduled walk day.
Instead, the undefeated colt headed straight back to the Laurel main track Sunday morning.
“He’s great. I actually took him out and he was a little wild,” Russell said with a laugh. “He even tried to go the wrong way once! He’s just really happy and fresh coming out of that work. He’s a good-feeling boy.”
Based at Laurel year-round, Taj Mahal is a perfect three-for-three at the track.
He earned his spot here with a dominant 8 ¼-length romp in the Federico Tesio.
Taj Mahal will be ridden by Sheldon Russell-Brittany’s husband-as she looks to become the first female trainer to win the Preakness.
2. Ocelli
- Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Post Position: 2
- Sire: Connect
- Recent Record: 6-3-3 in seven career starts
- Last race: Third in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 6/1
Ocelli had a routine gallop at Churchill on Sunday before heading to Laurel.
He’s aiming to do something that hasn’t been done in 138 years: win the Preakness as a maiden.
The Whit Beckman trainee nearly pulled off a miracle in the Kentucky Derby, leading at the sixteenth pole before finishing a close third behind Golden Tempo and Renegade.
“It only takes one,” said jockey Tyler Gaffalione. “He’s competed against the top horses in the country and shown he belongs. I think we have a massive chance.”
12 months ago, Journalism was placed in the Kentucky Derby (2nd) before landing the Preakness.
3. Crupper
- Trainer: Donnie Von Hemel
- Jockey: Junior Alvarado
- Post Position: 3
- Sire: Candy Ride
- Recent Record: 1-3-1 in six career starts
- Last race: Won Bathhouse Row Stakes on April 18 at Oaklawn Park
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 30/1
Meanwhile, Crupper-who earned a free berth by winning the Bathhouse Row Stakes-spent his Sunday morning jogging at Churchill’s training centre.
He’ll also van up on Tuesday with Junior Alvarado retaining the mount.
4. Robusta
- Trainer: Doug O’Neill
- Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
- Post Position: 4
- Sire: Accelerate
- Recent Record: 2-7-14 in six career starts
- Last race: 14th in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 30/1
Calumet Farm’s Robusta is slated to arrive at Laurel on Tuesday night from Keeneland.
He’s coming off a tough 14th-place finish in the Derby after starting from the dreaded Post 18, but trainer Doug O’Neill isn’t discouraged.
“That post was a real challenge,” O’Neill said. “But he’s in super shape. He’s eating great, training with high energy, and he’s a big, strong horse. Coming back in two weeks to a shorter distance and a smaller field? I think he’s up to it.”
Rafael Bejarano takes the mount this time around.
5. Talkin
- Trainer: Danny Gargan
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Post Position: 5
- Sire: Good Magic
- recent Record: 9-5-3 in five starts
- Last race: Third in Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 4 at Keeneland
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 20/1
Trainer Danny Gargan describes Talkin as “perfect” following a field-best work at Keeneland on Friday.
He’ll ship to Laurel on Tuesday after last being seen taking bronze in the Blue Grass at Keeneland last month.
While before that run posted a 5th in the Tampa Bay Derby back in March (watch below).
And will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr, who is chasing his first Preakness Stakes win.
6. Chip Honcho
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Post Position: 6
- Sire: Connect
- Recent Record: 4-2-5 in six career starts
- Last race: Fifth in Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on March 21 at Fair Grounds
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 5/1
Chip Honcho put the finishing touches on his major prep work Sunday morning at Churchill Downs, breezing a half-mile in 50.2 seconds under Luiyi Ortiz.
Steve Asmussen’s son of Connect is scheduled to van up to Laurel on Monday morning.
He’ll have a familiar face in the irons, too-Kentucky Derby winner José Ortiz, who was aboard for the colt’s maiden win, gets the mount.
“I think we’re in a very good place with him right now,” Asmussen said.
The Hall of Fame trainer knows exactly what it takes to win this race, having secured Preakness titles with legends like Curlin and Rachel Alexandra.
“We want to get him up there in the same shape he’s leaving here in. Honestly, I’m just hoping for a good draw; I’m anxious because I think we have a real shot, but I’d love to avoid being stuck on the outside.”
Chip Honcho arrives looking to bounce back from a fifth-place finish in the Louisiana Derby, though his powerhouse five-furlong work on Derby morning (1:00 flat) suggests he’s still got plenty in the tank.
7. The Hell We Did
- Trainer: Todd Fincher
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Post Position: 7
- Sire: Authentic
- Recent Record: 2-1-2 in four career starts
- Last race: Second in Grade 3 Lexington on April 11 at Keeneland
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 15/1
It’s been a bit of a chaotic week for The Hell We Did.
His final work at Laurel on Saturday was interrupted twice by a riderless horse on the track.
Despite the drama, he was credited with five furlongs in 1:01.4.
“He wasn’t in the best spot with the interruptions, but he finished the work and we’re happy,” said assistant Oscar Rojero. “Watching the replay, he looked like he was moving really well down the stretch.”
The Todd Fincher trainee is a half-brother to the standout Senor Buscador and recently finished second in the Lexington Stakes.
8. Bull By The Horns
- Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr
- Jockey: Micah Husbands
- Post Position: 8
- Sire: Essential Quality
- Recent Record: 3-7-1 in five career starts
- Last race: Won Rushaway Stakes on March 21 at Turfway Park
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 30/1
Saffie Joseph Jr. reports that Bull by the Horns is in good order following a fast half-mile at Gulfstream on Saturday.
The Essential Quality colt, known for his closing speed, shipped to Laurel on Sunday afternoon.
And impressed many in landing the Rushway Stakes at Turfway Park on March 21.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr will be eyeing a first Preakness.
9. Iron Honor
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Post Position: 9
- Sire: Nyquist
- Recent Record: 1-1-7 in three career starts
- Last race: Seventh in Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 4 at Aqueduct
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 9/2
Over at Belmont Park, Iron Honor turned heads Saturday with a sharp half-mile in 48 seconds flat-the 10th fastest of nearly 200 horses on the day.
Trainer Chad Brown is looking for his third Preakness win after victories in 2017 (Cloud Computing) and 2022 (Early Voting) and is making some strategic changes after the colt’s disappointing seventh as the favorite in the Wood Memorial.
He’s taking the blinkers off and handing the reins to Flavien Prat for the first time.
“We’re trying to get him to relax and not be so aggressive early on,” Brown explained. “Ideally, we’ll get a middle-to-inside draw so he can save some ground and just track the pace. I’m hoping there’s enough speed up front for him to sit back a bit.”
This will be only the fourth career start for the Nyquist colt, who previously impressed with a win in the Gotham Stakes.
And will head into the race as one of the Preakness Stakes favorites, according to the betting odds.
10. Napoleon Solo
- Trainer: Chad Summers
- Jockey: Paco Lopez
- Post Position: 10
- Sire: Liam’s Map
- Recent Record: 1-5-5 in four career starts
- Last race: Fifth in Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 4 at Aqueduct
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 8/1
Napoleon Solo arrived at Laurel Sunday afternoon.
After a bruised heel messed up his Derby prep, he led the field into the stretch of the Wood Memorial before fading to fifth.
Trainer Chad Summers is optimistic about the change in venue.
“We’re interested to see how the Preakness plays at Laurel instead of Pimlico, just like everyone else. It’s a different track and different circumference, but this is the race we’ve pointed to.”
11. Corona de Oro
- Trainer: Dallas Stewart
- Jockey: John Velazquez
- Post Position: 11
- Sire: Bolt d’Oro
- Recent Record: 2-1-3 in five career starts
- Last race: Third in Grade 3 Lexington on April 11 at Keeneland
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 30/1
Last seen running a fair third in the Lexington Stakes at Keenland last month.
“He’s full of life, ready to go,” says trainer Dallas Stewart of Corona de Oro.
After a fast five-furlong work on Friday, the Bolt d’Oro colt had a light jog Sunday and heads to Laurel early Tuesday.
Hall of Famer John Velazquez is on board; at 54, “Johnny V” would become the oldest jockey to win the race if they hit the wire first.
But knows how to get the job done in the Preakness – having won the race in 2023 on National Treasure.
12. Incredibolt
- Trainer: Riley Mott
- Jockey: Jaime Torres
- Post Position: 12
- Sire: Bolt D’Oro
- Recent Record: 6-1-6 in six career starts
- Last race: Sixth in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 5/1
This Riley Mott-trained 3yold was last seen running a fine 6th in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, on what was his sixth career start.
Before that Churchill Downs run, Incredibolt landed the Virginia Derby (watch below) at Colonial Downs.
Plus also landed the G3 Street Sense Stakes last year.
Trainer Riley Mott is the son of hall of famer Bill Mott – and will be be trying to win the race before his dad, who is yet to land this US Triple Crown race.
13. Great White
- Trainer: John Ennis
- Jockey: Alex Achard
- Post Position: 13
- Sire: Volatile
- Recent Record: 5-1-5 in four career starts
- Last race: Fifth in Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 4 at Keeneland
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 15/1
Trainer John Ennis is playing it by ear with Great White.
“He came into the barn squealing and bucking—fresh as can be,” Ennis noted.
After a light jog in Lexington, Ennis will consult with co-owner Three Chimneys Farm tonight to make the final call on entering.
Having last raced in the Blue Grass at Keeneland last month (5th).
14. Pretty Boy Miah
- Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
- Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr
- Post Position: 14
- Sire: Beau Liam
- Recent Record: 4-1-1 in four career starts
- Last race: Won starter optional claiming race April 25 at Aqueduct
- Preakness Stakes Odds: 15/1
The Jeremiah Englehart-trained Pretty Boy Miah is a bit of a “wildcard” entry.
He’s won two straight since adding blinkers, and trainer Jeremiah Englehart is eager to see him step up.
“These races only happen once a year. Is it logical? To me, he’s run fast enough numbers to compete, even without the stakes experience.”
If he gets bumped from the main field, he’ll likely target the Sir Barton Stakes instead.
Preakness Stakes Betting Odds & Post Position 2026: Who Is The Favorite?
- Taj Mahal 5/1 (Brittany Russell)
- Ocelli 6/1 (D Whitworth Beckman)
- Crupper 30/1 (Donnie Von Hemel)
- Robusta 30/1 (Doug O’Neill)
- Talkin 20/1 (Danny Gargan)
- Chip Honcho 5/1 (Steven Asmussen)
- The Hell We Did 15/1 (Todd Fincher)
- Bull By The Horns 30/1 (Saffie Joseph Jr)
- Iron Honor 9/2f (Chad Brown)
- Napoleon Solo 8/1 (Chad Summers)
- Corona De Oro 30/1 (Dallas Stewart)
- Incredibolt 5/1 (Riley Mott)
- Great White 15/1 (John Ennis)
- Pretty Boy Miah 15/1 (Jeremiah Englehart)
Note: Preakness Stakes betting odds are subject to change and others on request.
Bob Baffert WON’T Have a Preakness Stakes Runner in 2026
The Preakness field was looking a bit thinner after Monday after a handful of early favorites dropped out just before the official draw.
The biggest surprise?
Crude Velocity is out.
Despite opening as the 4-1 favorite, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert decided against a quick turnaround following the colt’s blowout win in the Pat Day Mile.
Baffert, who has won the Preakness eight times, is seemingly playing the long game here, shifting his focus to the Woody Stephens in June and eyeing the Haskell later this summer.
He isn’t the only one shifting gears.
Talk To Me Jimmy, a 50-1 longshot, is also skipping the trip to Baltimore.
Trainer Rudy Rodriguez confirmed the colt is staying put in New York for Saturday’s Peter Pan Stakes.
After a tough eighth-place finish in the Wood Memorial, the team clearly prefers the smaller, more manageable field at Belmont.
Rounding out the scratches are Cherokee Nation, Silent Tactic, and Express Kid.
While all three were part of the early betting projections, they were nowhere to be found when the post positions were finalized on Monday.
Preakness Stakes Winners (Last 13)
- 2025 – Journalism (Michael McCarthy)
- 2024 – Seize the Grey (D Wayne Lukas)
- 2023 – National Treasure (Bob Baffert)
- 2022 – Early Voting (Chad Brown)
- 2021 – Rombauer (Michael McCarthy)
- 2020 – Swiss Skydiver (Kenneth McPeek)
- 2019 – War of Will (Mark Casse)
- 2018 – Justify (Bob Baffert)
- 2017 – Cloud Computing (Chad Brown)
- 2016 – Exaggerator (J Keith Desormeaux)
- 2015 – American Pharoah (Bob Baffert)
- 2014 – California Chrome (Art Sherman)
- 2013 – Oxbow (D Wayne Lukas)
WATCH: Journalism Wins The 2025 Preakness Stakes
