Analysis: 2026 Preakness Run Styles

The largest Preakness (G1) field since 2011, Saturday’s 151st running at Laurel Park attracted a preponderance of speed types among its 14 entrants. Not all are capable of being in the early mix, and some riders will look to change tactics due to the projected pace scenario, but a fast early tempo appears probable for the 1 3/16-mile race.

The lone confirmed deep closer, Ocelli, is still winless from seven starts. Off at 70-1 in the Kentucky Derby, Ocelli offered a furious rally to finish third, and his price will be much shorter in the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Incredibolt, Talkin, and Bull by the Horns are stalking types who have proven effective from off the pace, and all appear likely to drop back during the opening stages of the Preakness. The remaining eight contestants have done their best running on or very close to the pace.

I will project run styles for the field, using the four categories found in the Brisnet Past Performances.

Early

Early types (E) prefer to race up front, either on or very close to the early lead.

#1 Taj Mahal (5-1) has led gate-to-wire in his last two starts, registering a 111 Brisnet E1 Pace rating, opening a sizable lead early in the 1 1/8-mile Federico Tesio S. last out. The rail draw probably forces jockey Sheldon Russell's hand, and if Taj Mahal breaks running, the unbeaten colt projects to be the speed of the speed in his first graded stakes appearance.

#10 Napoleon Solo (8-1) figures to be applying serious pressure from the outside, registering enormous Early Pace numbers leading all the way in the Champagne (G1) last fall. He’s been training forwardly for Chad Summers.

#14 Pretty Boy Miah (15-1) has done his best running in the last two starts, establishing blistering fractions winning at 6 1/2 furlongs two back, and promises to be forward in his first two-turn start.

#4 Robusta (30-1) didn’t show expected early speed in the Kentucky Derby and never made an impact, finishing 14th. His best performances have come when racing in the clear on or very close to the lead, and the dark bay colt figures to be pushing it on the two-week turnaround.

Early/Pressers

Early/pressers (E/P) like to race in proximity to the early lead; they’re versatile enough to show the way if the pace is moderate or settle just off a hot tempo.

#6 Chip Honcho (5-1) set the pace before grudgingly giving way to finish a close second in the Risen Star (G2) two back. He faltered at 2-1 when switching to rating tactics in the Louisiana Derby (G2), with his three best career efforts coming when racing on or very close to the lead.

#13 Great White (15-1) dueled for the early lead in the Blue Grass (G1), and after missing the Kentucky Derby due to flipping at the gate, the massive gray gelding may be keyed up early in the Preakness.

#11 Corona de Oro (30-1) set the pace before weakening to third in the Lexington (G3); his form improved when he began to show high speed from the starting gate two starts back.

#3 Crupper (30-1) earned a free Preakness berth, recording a frontrunning victory in a “Win & You’re In” race at Oaklawn. He doesn’t appear quick enough to challenge for the early lead but may try to establish positioning close to the front.

Presser

Pressers (P) prefer to stalk the early action, generally towards midpack if the pace is honest.

#9 Iron Honor (9-2) removes blinkers, and despite racing prominently in his first two wins, the colt appears likely to switch to stalking tactics following a troubled seventh in the Wood Memorial (G2).

#7 The Hell We Did (15-1) pushed the pace in the Lexington but employed up-close stalking tactics, recording his lone two wins.

#5 Talkin (20-1) has raced close to the pace without success in a pair of stakes attempts this year; look for him to make one run Saturday.

Sustained

Sustained runners (S) can be classified as confirmed closers, horses who do their best running in the latter stages.

#12 Incredibolt (5-1) registered a 115 Brisnet Late Pace rating, winning the Virginia Derby two starts back and closed last-to-first winning the Street Sense (G3) last fall.

#8 Bull by the Horns (30-1) closed from last-to-first, recording his first stakes victory last out, the Rushaway S. at Turfway Park.

#2 Ocelli (6-1) will be coming from the clouds.

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