Quick Answer
The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be run on May 16 at Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes reconstruction.
Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is skipping the race to prepare for the Belmont Stakes, and trainer Mark Casse scratched Silent Tactic on May 11 due to a foot bruise.
That leaves 13 horses in the field, with Taj Mahal taking over as the 7/2 morning line favorite.
Why Is the 2026 Preakness at Laurel Park?
The middle jewel of the Triple Crown looks a little different this year. Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore is closed for major reconstruction and modernization, so the 2026 Preakness has been temporarily relocated to Laurel Park.
It is the same Maryland racing circuit, just a different stage. The race date stays put on May 16.
Golden Tempo Skips the Preakness
The biggest storyline heading into Baltimore is the absence of Golden Tempo. The 2026 Kentucky Derby winner's connections opted to skip the Preakness, aiming instead for the Belmont Stakes on June 6 to give the horse more rest.
That alone made this year's race more wide open than usual. Then came Monday.
Breaking News: Silent Tactic Scratched
The field took another massive hit on Monday, May 11. Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse officially scratched Silent Tactic due to a persistent right foot bruise.
The colt, who was also forced to miss the Kentucky Derby for the same issue, was widely expected to be one of the top contenders. His exit drops the official field down to 13 horses and drastically changes the pace scenario for the race.
Top Contenders and Updated Odds
With Silent Tactic out, the morning line odds have completely reshuffled. Here are the top horses to watch at Laurel Park:
- Taj Mahal (7/2): The new morning line favorite. Trained by Brittany Russell, this colt is unbeaten at Laurel Park and just won the Federico Tesio Stakes.
- Iron Honor (9/2): Trained by Chad Brown. The Grade 3 Gotham winner is looking to bounce back after a disappointing run in the Wood Memorial.
- Chip Honcho (5/1): Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz. A major pace factor who could benefit greatly from Silent Tactic's absence.
- Ocelli (6/1): A strong closer who outran his odds to finish third in the Kentucky Derby.
- Incredibolt (5/1): A two time stakes winner who showed excellent staying power in the Derby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park?
The 2026 Preakness is temporarily being held at Laurel Park because the race's traditional home, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, is currently undergoing major reconstruction and modernization.
Is the Kentucky Derby winner running in the Preakness?
No. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is skipping the Preakness Stakes to rest and prepare for the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
How many horses are running in the 2026 Preakness?
Following the scratch of Silent Tactic, there are currently 13 horses scheduled to run in the Preakness Stakes on May 16.
The takeaway
Without Golden Tempo and Silent Tactic, the 2026 Preakness is a genuinely open race. Taj Mahal has the home track edge, but Iron Honor and the closers like Ocelli are very live at these prices.
I think the loss of Silent Tactic, who would have pressed the pace, helps Chip Honcho the most. If you are betting Saturday, the speed picture is the single biggest variable I would focus on.
Why Laurel Park Is Hosting the 2026 Preakness
Pimlico is in the middle of its long-planned redevelopment, which routed the 2026 Preakness Stakes to Laurel Park about 30 miles to the south. Maryland racing officials confirmed the move years in advance to give the host facility time to upgrade its infrastructure for Triple Crown weekend.
Laurel offers a faster, more uniform racing surface than current-day Pimlico, which has shaped early handicapping assumptions about pace and trip.
The Confirmed Field
- The Kentucky Derby winner returns to attempt the second leg.
- Two Derby runners-up who chose to skip the long route in favour of a fresher horse.
- A Preakness-only specialist trained for the 1 3/16 mile distance.
- A Derby contender returning after a wide trip in Louisville.
- Several local Maryland-prep winners who earned spots through the Preakness points system.
The full draw is finalised in the days before the race, but the leading contenders are set.
The Favourite and the Key Contenders
The Derby winner is the morning-line favourite, as is traditional in the second leg. The smart money in the Maryland market has been on one of the Derby runners-up, on the theory that a clean trip at Laurel suits the horse better than the bumping action of a 20-horse Derby field.
Watch the workout reports closely. A sharp half-mile breeze at Laurel earlier in the week often signals the horse to back.
Track and Weather
The weather forecast for Preakness day is dry with a moderate breeze out of the south. The Laurel surface holds up well in dry weather and tends to favour stalking-style horses rather than pure speed or deep closers. The turf course rated firm for the undercard races looks set to play similarly.
If the forecast shifts overnight, expect bias readings to lean towards speed if the track turns sloppy.
How to Watch and Bet
- NBC carries the broadcast in the US, with full undercard coverage starting in mid-afternoon.
- NBC Sports and Peacock stream the full card.
- Major US-licensed advance deposit wagering platforms accept Preakness bets up to post.
- Maryland residents can wager in-person at Laurel Park, Pimlico simulcast facilities and licensed retail OTBs.
The Best Value Plays
The win pool tends to overbet the favourite in Triple Crown races. The exacta and trifecta pools offer better value, particularly if you can identify a mid-priced contender to box with the top two favourites. A small saver on a Maryland local is also worth considering, particularly if the track is playing fast and the horse comes in off a sharp workout.
What to Watch For in the Race
The first quarter mile is the swing point. If the pace setters go too fast, the closers come into play. If they settle into a moderate fraction, the favourite has a clear path to control the race from the second turn. Either way, the stretch run at Laurel is generous enough to reward a horse with reserve, which is what makes this year's edition genuinely competitive.
