Preakness 2026 Entries, Contenders, Odds and Lineup Analysis

The drama of the Kentucky Derby will be tough to match in Maryland this weekend, in part, because Derby winner Golden Tempo won't be in the field. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has decided to rest the horse for a possible return at the Belmont Stakes.

"Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort," DeVaux said in a statement.

With Golden Tempo out, there will be no Triple Crown winner in 2026. However, that doesn't mean that fans won't be treated to an incredible race at the Preakness Stakes. The star-studded field features several championship-caliber horses, including Ocelli, who finished third at the Derby behind Golden Tempo and Renegade.

Here, you'll find an updated look at the field, the top contenders, and the latest odds.

2026 Preakness Stakes

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When: Saturday, May 16

Post Time: 6:50 p.m. ET

Where: Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland

Prize Pool: $2 million ($1.2 million to winner)

TV and Live Stream: NBC and Peacock

Post Positions and Odds

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Ocelli

1. Taj Mahal (5-1)

2. Ocelli (6-1)

3. Crupper (30-1)

4. Robusta (30-1)

5. Talkin (20-1)

6. Chip Honcho (5-1)

7. The Hell We Did (15-1)

8. Bull By The Horns (30-1)

9. Iron Honor (9-2)

10. Napoleon Solo (8-1)

11. Corona de Oro (30-1)

12. Icredibolt (5-1)

13. Great White (15-1)

14. Pretty Boy Miah (15-1)

*Odds via Preakness.com

Lineup Analysis

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Chip Honcho trains on the track during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby

This year's Preakness field features several legitimate contenders, but a case can be made for Taj Mahal as the overwhelming favorite. The Brittany T. Russell-trained horse is undefeated in three races, all at Laurel Park.

However, Taj Mahal also drew the No. 1 post, a position that often leads to traffic and a lack of early speed. Bettors may also be wary of the fact that Russell has yet to deliver a winner in any graded race.

Still, Taj Mahal knows the tack well, and there's a real chance that Russell becomes the first female trainer to win the Preakness, mere weeks after DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Derby.

Ocelli is another strong contender. The D. Whitworth Beckman-trained horse led for much of the Derby before he was passed late by Renegade and Golden Tempo. He could potentially hold the lead on the shorter Preakness course.

Chip Honcho drew a favorable position in the middle of the pack and will be well-rested after last running at the Louisiana Derby in March. The horse will also benefit from seasoned jockey José Ortiz.

Ortiz rode Golden Tempo to victory at the Derby and won the 2022 Preakness atop Early Voting.

Iron Honor is a relatively inexperienced horse who has drawn a lot of interest as an early favorite. Trained by Chad C. Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, Iron Honor has a solid team behind him, but he only made his racing debut in December.

Incredibolt is another favorite who, like Ocelli, fared relatively well at the Kentucky Derby. Despite getting pinned in traffic at Churchill Downs, the Riley Mott-trained horse still managed a sixth-place finish. With a cleaner run, Incredibolt could easily take the Preakness.