BALTIMORE — The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday at Laurel Park, with a 14-horse field following Monday night’s post position draw. Here’s a breakdown of the contenders:
Taj Mahal, post position 1 – A potential favorite among Maryland fans, Taj Mahal has won all three career starts, each at Laurel Park. Trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by her husband Sheldon, this duo aims to extend their local success. If Taj Mahal wins, Russell would become the first female trainer to capture the Preakness. Odds: 5/1
Ocelli, post position 2 – A 70-1 longshot in the Kentucky Derby, Ocelli nearly pulled off a stunner, finishing third. With much shorter odds this time, the horse looks to replicate that surprise performance at Laurel Park. Odds: 6/1
Crupper, post position 3 – Jockey Junior Alvarado, who rode Sovereignty to Kentucky Derby and Belmont wins last year, will be in the spotlight. Can he work his magic on this longshot? Odds: 30/1
Robusta, post position 4 – One of the few Derby runners also in the Preakness, Robusta finished 14th at Churchill Downs. Trained by Doug O’Neill (2012 Preakness winner), he seeks redemption. Odds: 30/1
Talkin, post position 5 – Third in the Blue Grass Stakes, Talkin is trained by Danny Green but is not among the top favorites. Odds: 20/1
Chip Honcho, post position 6 – A possible winner with Derby qualifications, Chip Honcho may thrive in a smaller crowd at Laurel Park. Trainer Steve Asmussen told Daily Racing Form: “Limited attendance… gives him a way better chance.” He tends to overexert in large crowds. Odds: 5/1
The Hell We Did, post position 7 – Runner-up in the Lexington Stakes, this horse has two wins and two seconds in four starts. Trained by Todd Fincher, he sits in the middle of the odds board. Odds: 15/1
Bull By The Horns, post position 8 – Winner of the Rushaway Stakes, with Micah Husbands aboard. Considered a longshot. Odds: 30/1
Iron Honor, post position 9 – Trained by two-time Preakness winner Chad Brown, Iron Honor skipped the Derby after a disappointing seventh in the Wood Memorial as the favorite. He enters as the morning-line favorite. Odds: 9/2
Napoleon Solo, post position 10 – Fifth in his last two races (Fountain of Youth, Wood Memorial), this Chad Summers trainee is a sneaky contender in an open field. Odds: 8/1
Corona De Oro, post position 11 – A longshot ridden by John Velazquez, who won the 2023 Preakness on National Treasure. Odds: 30/1
Incredibolt, post position 12 – [Note: the original text was cut off; based on context, this is likely the last horse listed. However, the original provided only up to “Incredibolt, post po” so we assume it’s incomplete. For completeness, we will not add extra info. If needed, we can state “Information incomplete.” But to follow instruction, we should only rewrite given content. Since the original ended abruptly, we will end here with what was provided.] Odds: Not listed.