Full Breakdown
Ortiz to Ride Chip Honcho in 2026 Preakness
5/9/2026, 5:10:37 AM
Ortiz to Ride Chip Honcho in the Preakness
On May 16, 2026, Puerto-Rican jockey José Ortiz will ride Chip Honcho in the Grade-I Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park. The assignment follows trainer Steve Asmussen’s decision to keep Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo out of the race and aim for the June Belmont.
Background: Golden Tempo’s withdrawal and Laurel’s capacity
Asmussen withdrew Golden Tempo to preserve the colt for the Belmont, noting that Laurel Park will host the Preakness with a 4,800-spectator limit while Pimlico undergoes reconstruction. He believes the reduced afternoon crowd suits Chip Honcho, who performs well in morning workouts but has shown uneven afternoon form.
Figures, Form and Potential Entrants
José Ortiz rode Chip Honcho to a maiden win at Churchill Downs and recently won the Dubai World Cup (G1) on Magnitude. Chip Honcho, a son of Connect (a Curlin son), was purchased for $210,000 at the July 2024 Fasig-Tipton sale and is co-owned by Lee Ackerley. Trainers Justin Evans (Express Kid) and Saffie Joseph Jr. (Bull by the Horns) have indicated their horses could also run in the Preakness.
Data Highlights
Chip Honcho cost $210,000. Express Kid recorded a 5-furlong work of 1:00.71 at Lone Star Park. Bull by the Horns breezed 4 furlongs in 47.45 seconds on April 26. Laurel Park’s attendance cap is 4,800. Ortiz’s recent G1 win came in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
Asmussen said Chip Honcho “handles extremely well in the morning, but some afternoons he hasn’t handled exactly like we want,” adding that the limited crowd “provides the ideal environment for him to demonstrate his true class.” Evans called Express Kid’s Thursday work “a really good work… he handled everything well, came back great and happy.” Joseph said Bull by the Horns “has not much downside for the Preakness” and will work this weekend.
Criticism & Opposition
Asmussen dismissed the belief that finishing ahead of a Derby winner predicts future success, stating “It doesn’t do anything for your next race. It doesn’t,” thereby challenging a common betting narrative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s familiar with the horse. Just through consistently working with Jose over the winter and stuff, you’re always discussing races and racehorses. It was his belief in Golden Tempo that proved true.” — Steve Asmussen, trainer
- “ Evans added, “We've got to be on our 'A' game for a race like the Preakness.” — Justin Evans, trainer
- “It doesn't do anything for your next race. It doesn't,” — Steve Asmussen, trainer
- “When we looked at the Preakness, we thought there's not much downside.” — Saffie Joseph Jr., trainer of Bull by the Horns
What’s Next
Chip Honcho will start in the Preakness on May 16. Express Kid arrives at Laurel Park Monday and will be assigned a rider later in the week. Bull by the Horns is slated to work this weekend; Ocelli remains a possible entry.
