Full Breakdown
2026 Preakness Stakes Opens Up After Derby Winner Skips
5/9/2026, 5:12:56 AM
Background: Golden Tempo’s Absence and Triple Crown Debate
Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo announced on May 6 that the colt will bypass the 151st Preakness Stakes, ending any chance of a Triple Crown pursuit. Cherie DeVaux explained the decision as a “thoughtful discussion as a team.” The move adds to a recent pattern—three Derby winners in the past five years have skipped the middle jewel—prompting renewed calls to lengthen the five-week Triple Crown schedule. Trainers Art Sherman and Kenny McPeek argue that more recovery time would improve horse durability and fan engagement, while Hall-of-Famer Bob Baffert warns that altering the historic spacing would diminish the achievement’s prestige.
Key Contenders and Female-Trainer Spotlight
With the Derby winner out, the field is wide open. Brittany Russell, the only female trainer with a Preakness-winning horse in recent memory, entered Taj Mahal (undefeated in three starts, including an 8¼-length Federico Tesio win). Other notable entries include Crude Velocity (Bob Baffert’s 4-1 favorite), Silent Tactic (Mark Casse’s Arkansas Derby runner-up dealing with a foot bruise), Corona de Oro (Dallas Stewart’s colt with a front-running maiden win), Robusta (Doug O’Neill’s Calumet Farm son of Accelerate), and Chip Honcho (Steve Asmussen’s Connect-sired colt slated for jockey José Ortiz).
Data & Odds Snapshot
- Crude Velocity – 4-1 favorite (per CBS Sports).
- Iron Honor – 19-1 second-favorite.
- Taj Mahal – 20-1 longshot, highlighted by expert Jody Demling.
- Silent Tactic – early market favorite in some international odds feeds.
- Taj Mahal’s prior victories total 12½ lengths across three starts; Robusta won the San Felipe and placed seventh in the Santa Anita Derby.
Official Statements & Responses
DeVaux confirmed Golden Tempo’s skip, emphasizing horse welfare. Casse reported a “decent shot” for Silent Tactic despite a foot bruise, while Stewart expressed long-term confidence in Corona de Oro, noting his ownership stake. O’Neill praised Robusta’s “speed, stamina, class” after a solid Keeneland workout. Asmussen cautioned that past performances “don’t win” future races, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the Preakness.
Criticism & Opposition
Sherman questioned modern Thoroughbred durability, suggesting earlier breeding practices produced stronger bones. McPeek proposed a “first Saturday in May, June, July” schedule to give horses nine weeks between legs. Tom Amoss warned that easing the series would “water down the achievement.” Baffert countered, asserting that “all these trainers know their horse better than anyone else” and that schedule changes would lessen the sport’s historic challenge.
On-the-Ground Reports
Casse observed Silent Tactic “worked very well” with good energy, yet withheld a full commitment pending further work. Stewart declared, “I love the horse,” referring to Corona de Oro, and highlighted John Velázquez as a potential rider. O’Neill noted Robusta’s “monster” training regimen and expressed optimism about his Laurel Park shipment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Odds listings differ: CBS Sports lists Crude Velocity as the clear favorite, while international betting feeds favor Silent Tactic. Final entry confirmations remain pending, leaving the exact field composition uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “I thought he worked very well. I was happy. (He) had good energy galloping out. That's what I wanted to see. Now, let's just see how he is. That's the first time we put pressure on that foot since it started bothering him. Right now, I'd say there's a decent shot he's going to go to the Preakness,” — Mark Casse, Trainer
- “I don’t think they should change the schedule because that would lessen the achievement” — Bob Baffert, Trainer
- “I think we had a stronger breed back when I first became involved in the sport,” — Art Sherman, Former Exercise Rider
- “It doesn’t do anything for your next race,” — Steve Asmussen, Trainer
What’s Next
The 2026 Preakness Stakes runs at Laurel Park on May 16, followed by the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 6, where Golden Tempo is expected to compete. Trainers will finalize entries through the Monday deadline, and bettors will watch the odds tighten as the field solidifies.
