Full Breakdown
2026 Preakness Stakes Moves to Laurel Park Amid Renovations and Expert Predictions
5/7/2026, 5:59:54 AM
Event Overview
The 151st Preakness Stakes will run Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park, Maryland, over 1 ³/16 miles for a $2 million purse. The move is temporary while Pimlico undergoes a $400 million renovation.
Background & Future Ownership
Pimlico’s closure forces the 2026 Preakness to Laurel Park. After this race, Churchill Downs will buy the event for $85 million, securing long-term ownership.
Contenders and Odds
Crude Velocity leads at 4-1, followed by Iron Honor (19-1), Taj Mahal (20-1) and Silent Tactic (25-1). Derby winner Golden Tempo, a 23-1 champion, is listed at 70-1 and is not yet confirmed. SportsLine analyst Jody Demling, who correctly predicted the last three Preakness winners, is fading Golden Tempo and backing Taj Mahal—a 3-for-3 Laurel performer with a pedigree that includes Derby winner Nyquist and Grade-1 sire Quality Road. Taj Mahal’s trainer Brittany Russell topped Maryland wins in 2023 and 2024.
Statements, Concerns, and Track Conditions
Trainer Cherie DeVaux said Golden Tempo’s health will be monitored and the Preakness “is on the table” pending a check. Frank Vespi, racing-biz founder, said the Laurel move will not change the race’s character and that the two-turn layout mirrors Pimlico, keeping surface conditions similar. He added that the venue’s 14-horse gate and smaller grandstands may curb the traditional “Middle Jewel” atmosphere. Analysts note Golden Tempo’s two-week turnaround is unusually short—he has never won with less than four weeks of rest.
On-the-Ground View and Uncertainties
Vespi’s interview highlighted fan excitement, noting, “we’ll keep our fingers crossed because you want the Derby winner in the Preakness.” Local reports praised Taj Mahal’s ten-length Federico Tesio win and Russell’s record. Golden Tempo’s entry, post time and final field size remain unconfirmed, leaving bettors without a full picture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The son of Derby winner Nyquist is 3-for-3 with all of his races at Laurel Park,” — Jody Demling, SportsLine analyst
- “WE’LL KEEP OUR FINGERS CROSSED BECAUSE YOU WANT THE DERBY WINNER IN THE PREAKNESS.” — Frank Vespi, racing-biz founder
- “He’s a horse that has a lot of constitution to him, so he can handle something like that,” — Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo
- “AND I WOULDN’T SWEAT IT TOO MUCH AS A BETTER EITHER.” — Frank Vespi, racing-biz founder
What’s Next
Post positions will be drawn at 5 p.m. on May 11, setting the gate assignments. The Belmont Stakes follows on June 6, completing the Triple Crown. After the 2026 running, Churchill Downs will assume ownership of the Preakness, potentially shaping future venue decisions.
