Preakness 2026 Early Predictions Post-Kentucky Derby

Golden Tempo's victory in the 2026 Kentucky Derby means it's time to turn attention toward the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Thoroughbreds who raced Saturday at Churchill Downs have just two weeks before the 151st Preakness Stakes is set to take place at Laurel Park in Maryland.

The Preakness is taking place outside of Pimlico Race Course due to construction on its traditional location.

The field for the next Triple Crown leg has yet to be set, although some early predictions as to who will be running can be made after Saturday's race.

Multiple horses including The Puma were scratched ahead of the Kentucky Derby, and trainer Gustavo Delgado said Saturday The Puma is also unlikely to enter the Preakness.

The Puma ranked behind only Renegade and So Happy as a betting favorite at Churchhill Downs ahead of his late scratch.

Losing The Puma from the field at the Preakness could open the door for Golden Tempo, Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade or surprising third-place finisher Ocelli to contend in Laurel Park.

That could be difficult given the two-week turnaround and the field of rested horses set to run the Preakness.

Silent Tactic was scratched from the Derby with a bruised foot, but his trainer Mark Casse said he's hoping to still run the Preakness.

Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown, and Chip Honcho, trained by Steve Asmussen, are heading into the Preakness after skipping the Derby in order to prepare for the race, per the Baltimore Banner's Brandon Weigel.

Bob Baffert's Champagne Stakes will head into Preakness having skipped the Kentucky Derby. Taj Mahal is also heading straight to the race after he and his trainer Brittany Russell earned a qualifying spot with a win at the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park on April 18.

Golden Tempo will likely be favorited to win after his come-from-behind victory at Churchill Downs, but his more rested competitors will likely present a serious challenge in Laurel Park.