2026 Preakness Stakes odds, betting strategy, cheat sheet
Iron Honor trains ahead of the Preakness Stakes (Photo by Equi-Photo)
May 16th, 2026
Win Wagers
- $5 win #9 Iron Honor ($5)
- $5 win #10 Napoleon Solo ($5)
Exacta Wager
- $5 exacta box: 9-10 ($10)
From a personal standpoint, I feel as though two horses will be ready to run their best at Laurel Park on Saturday, and I will press forward with the duo in my wagers. I’ve liked #9 Iron Honor (9-2) since his debut win in December in New York, and the Chad Brown trainee wisely skipped Kentucky to point towards this historic race. The son of 2016 Kentucky Derby star Nyquist will rally from off the early pace with Flavien Prat accepting the mount. Read the full analysis by John Mucciolo here.
Local hero Taj Mahal could make more history for Brittany Russell
As the Federico Tesio S. winner, Taj Mahal carries the mantle of the local hope. But that perennial sentimental angle takes on an entirely different dimension this year, thanks to trainer Brittany Russell. Already a history-maker as the first woman to rank as Maryland’s champion trainer in 2023 – a title she’s maintained through the ensuing years – Russell could become the first to train a Preakness winner.
The timing, right on top of DeVaux’s historic breakthrough as a female trainer winning the Derby, has intensified the media attention. The closest a woman came to Preakness glory was 2002, when Nancy Alberts sent out homebred Magic Weisner to finish second, just three-quarters of a length shy of War Emblem.
To enhance the plot that sounds positively cinematic, Taj Mahal is ridden by the trainer’s husband, Sheldon Russell. If the speedy Taj Mahal can run himself into the winner’s circle, he would complete the set of Triple Crown races for women trainers. Jena Antonucci was the trailblazer with the 2023 Belmont champion Arcangelo.
Read about more stories within the Preakness Stakes here
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.
