Betting the 2026 Preakness Stakes on Different Budgets

The second leg of the Triple Crown will be hosted for the first ever time by Laurel Park on Saturday with a full field of 14 sophomores set to go postward. Just a trio of runners who raced in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in Louisville two weeks ago will go in the Maryland spectacle, but the event features a very talented cast in what is an especially well-matched field. 

$30 Budget

• $10 win and place #9 Iron Honor ($20)
• $5 exacta box 9-10 ($10)

$60 Budget

• $1 superfecta 9 with 1,2,10 with 1,2,6,10,12 with 1,2,5,6,7,10,12 ($60)

$90 Budget

• $5 exacta key box 9 with 1,2,10 ($30)
• $.50-cent trifecta 9,10 with 1,2,9,10 with 1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14 ($30)
• $.50-cent superfecta 9 with 1,2,10 with 1,2,6,10,12 with 1,2,5,6,7,10,12 ($30)

I tabbed #9 Iron Honor (9-2) as the Preakness (G1) winner following his maiden win, and while his recent effort in the Wood Memorial (G2) left much to be desired, I have to stick to my guns with the son of Nyquist. Trained by Chad Brown, the $475,000 Keeneland purchase was game in both of his two wins to kick off his career when going one turn, and the colt was close to rapid fractions before failing to fire late in the Wood. The blinkers have come off following that subpar showing, and I’m expecting a big move forward on Saturday with Flavien Prat picking up the mount. 

The 2025 Champagne (G1) hero #10 Napoleon Solo (8-1) will be making the third run of his sophomore season and will peak at Laurel. The Chad Summers pupil has substantial early speed, and I love his outer post draw, with much of the additional pace in the field drawn to his inside. The Liam’s Map colt has reportedly been working well in advance of his local bow, and I envision him forcing the action and leading turning for home with Paco Lopez on board. 

#2 Ocelli (6-1) is still a maiden, but his excellent third in the Kentucky Derby showed how talented he is. Trained by Whit Beckman, the Connect colt is proven at the trip and also landed in a field where the pace will be swift and potentially contested, which will aid his closing burst. He has improved since having the blinkers removed two back and has to be on a lot of tickets with Tyler Gaffalione in the silks once again. 

The unbeaten #1 Taj Mahal (5-1) ran his foes off of their respective feet in a Federico Tesio S. tour-de-force and is three-for-three on the course for trainer Brittany Russell. By Nyquist, the $525,000 yearling purchase has improved his Brisnet Speed rating with each career run to date, and he will bring considerable pace from the rail, as well. If the colt can avoid an early duel, then he has to be given a winning chance with regular pilot Sheldon Russell on board.