2026 Preakness Stakes: Odds, Picks, News and Notes
Journalism wins the 2025 Preakness Stakes
After a historic weekend at Churchill Downs that saw Golden Tempo and trainer Cherie DeVaux shatter records, the horse racing world shifts its gaze to Maryland for the 151st Preakness Stakes.
With the Kentucky Derby winner opting to bypass the second leg, the path to the Preakness Stakes winners circle becomes even more interesting. Will the favorite, Iron Honor, justify his 9-2 morning line Preakness odds? Or will Ocelli—the 70-1 longshot who nearly shocked the world with a third-place finish—finally break his maiden on one of racing’s biggest stages?
This week is all about the "fresh legs" vs. the "Derby survivors." The road to the Preakness is fast and unpredictable. Bookmark this page and look out for updates throughout the week. The Preakness News and Notes is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Preakness Stakes Weekend.
INDEX
Seize the Grey wins the 2024 Preakness S. at Pimlico (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Who was the 2025 Preakness Winner?
The 2025 Preakness Winner was Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy.
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2026 Preakness Expert Picks
- Tipsheet: 2026 Preakness Stakes
- Everything to know about the 2026 Preakness post positions
- Best Ways for Beginners to Bet $10 on the Preakness Stakes
- Betting the 2026 Preakness Stakes on Different Budgets
- The best longshot to bet in the 2026 Preakness Stakes
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Jason is joined by Kellie Reilly for our weekly International Radar segment to open the show. Jason also discusses the Preakness draw, odds, and more!
RELATED: Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 14, 2026
Jason is joined by TwinSpires analyst Kyle Hampton to talk about the Preakness Stakes coming up Saturday.
Preakness Contenders
#1 Taj Mahal
Trainer: Brittany Russell
Pro: Local hope won Federico Tesio S. for fun and will be winging it.
Con: Faces toughest field to date and there’s a lot of other speed for him to deal with.
#2 Ocelli
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Pro: Surprise third in both the Wood Memorial (G2) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Con: Still a maiden and has finished better than third only once in seven races.
#3 Crupper
Trainer: Donnie Von Hemel
Pro: Won stakes debut at Oaklawn and plenty of stamina in his pedigree.
Con: Appears one of the primary outsiders from a speed rating perspective.
#4 Robusta
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Pro: Nearly upset San Felipe (G2) three back though outclassed since.
Con: Adds fuel to pace; hard to see him improving much on Derby finish.
#5 Talkin
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Pro: Snuck into trifecta against runaway Blue Grass (G1) winner.
Con: Winless since seven-furlong debut back in late August.
#6 Chip Honcho
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Pro: Louisiana Derby (G2) flop seems forgivable, given Risen Star (G2) effort.
Con: Another who likes to race up close in a field overflowing with speed.
#7 The Hell We Did
Trainer: Todd Fincher
Pro: Solid effort in Lexington (G3) despite some class concerns.
Con: Although sired by Derby winner, distance could be an issue.
#8 Bull by the Horns
Trainer: Saffie Joseph
Pro: Prevailed in Rushaway S. despite not getting a strong pace.
Con: Speed ratings look too weak to endorse with confidence.
#9 Iron Honor
Trainer: Chad Brown
Pro: Talented Gotham (G3) winner goes for two-time Preakness-winning barn.
Con: Rough trip in Wood Memorial, but finish against that crew looks shaky.
#10 Napoleon Solo
Trainer: Chad Summers
Pro: The field’s lone prior G1 winner, albeit in modest renewal of Champagne.
Con: Hasn’t really taken to two turns in a pair of attempts.
#11 Corona de Oro
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Pro: Much improved this season and should be within striking distance.
Con: Negatively affected by pace pressure in furlong-shorter Lexington.
#12 Incredibolt
Trainer: Riley Mott
Pro: Beaten only four lengths in Kentucky Derby off longish layoff.
Con: If two-week turnaround not ideal, it will affect him.
#13 Great White
Trainer: John Ennis
Pro: Big physical specimen runs best employing stalk-and-pounce tactics.
Con: Worst loss his only try on dirt; pre- Derby antics resulted in scratch.
#14 Pretty Boy Miah
Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
Pro: A potential pace player if he can overcome draw, but for how long?
Con: Both wins around one turn were against far easier.
2026 Preakness News and Notes
- Iron Honor slight early favorite in Preakness
- 2026 Preakness Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn
- 2026 Preakness Brisnet Speed Rating Report
- 2026 Preakness Stakes Horses: Full List of Contenders & Entries
Three starts. Three wins. Now the biggest test of all. 🏆🐎
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 12, 2026
Jockey @SheldonRussell1 joins TwinSpires' @KaliFrancois at Laurel Park to discuss unbeaten 𝗧𝗔𝗝 𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗔𝗟 and how he plans to work out a trip from the rail in the 151st Preakness Stakes.
Can the perfect record stay… pic.twitter.com/pRXHmuOGT0
Preakness Weekend Undercard Picks & More
- Tipsheet: 2026 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes
- Pick 4 of the Week: Laurel Park Saturday, May 16
- Exotics Plays for the Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes
- Betting With, and Against, Margie’s Intention in the DuPont Distaff Stakes
- Scully: Playing Pick 3 on 2026 Black-Eyed Susan program
Infographic: Preakness Stakes post positions (2023)
Infographic - Preakness Stakes winners in the Belmont Stakes
Preakness Weekend Promotions
