The 2026 Preakness Stakes takes place Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Maryland. This is a historic first for the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. With a 14-horse field, a $2 million purse, and the Kentucky Derby winner sitting out, this year’s race promises plenty of drama.
Why Laurel Park Instead of Pimlico?
For the first time since 1908, the Preakness Stakes will not be held at its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The historic track is undergoing a $400 million renovation, prompting organizers to temporarily move the race about 30 miles south to Laurel Park.
Pimlico has been in need of renovations for quite a few years. We are happy to see the track getting the makeover it deserves, but it will be strange to see the race run at Laurel.
Golden Tempo Skips Preakness
Golden Tempo, the 2026 Kentucky Derby champion, will not compete in the Preakness. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the decision, citing the horse’s wellbeing after his demanding Derby effort.
“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time,” DeVaux wrote on X. Golden Tempo is now targeting the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga.
This makes 2026 the second consecutive year a Kentucky Derby winner has bypassed the Preakness. Last year Sovereignty also skipped the Preakness in 2025.
Are horses today less resilient than their ancestors? In the past, the Kentucky Derby winner would always run in the Preakness, for the hope of a Triple Crown. Imagine if Golden Tempo wins the Belmont. The trainer will have to live with the “shoulda – coulda – woulda” thoughts.
2026 Preakness Stakes Field and Odds
The full 14-horse field features a mix of front-runners, closers, and Kentucky Derby returnees. Below are the morning-line favorites:
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Iron Honor | Flavien Prat | 9-2 |
| 6 | Chip Honcho | Jose Ortiz | 5-1 |
| 1 | Taj Mahal | Sheldon Russell | 5-1 |
| 12 | Incredibolt | Jaime Torres | 5-1 |
| 2 | Ocelli | Tyler Gaffalione | 6-1 |
| 10 | Napoleon Solo | Paco Lopez | 8-1 |
Three horses returning from the Kentucky Derby—Ocelli (3rd), Incredibolt (6th), and Robusta (14th)—will look to improve on their Churchill Downs performances.
Post Time and How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Post Time: Approximately 6:50–7:01 p.m. ET
- Distance: 1 3/16 miles
- Purse: $2 million
- TV: NBC and Peacock (4:30–7:30 p.m. ET)
Whether you’re betting or just tuning in for the spectacle, the 151st Preakness Stakes offers a compelling race with storylines, longshots, and a new venue to watch. If you want to bet on the 2026 Preakness (or any kind of sports wagering) see our sister website USA Legal Casinos for a listing of online casinos with sportsbooks. Use the same account to bet on sports and play USA online slots and other online casino offerings.
Good luck betting the Preakness. With a 14-horse field, the exotic bets such as Exactas and Trifectas should pay well.