Full Breakdown
2026 Preakness Stakes Shifts to Laurel Park Amid Field Changes
5/11/2026, 11:52:32 PM
Core Event: Race Details and Relocation
The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The Grade-I contest will cover 1 mile 1½ furlongs, carry a $2 million purse (winner $1.2 million), and be televised on NBC and Peacock. A post-position draw is set for Monday, May 11, 5 p.m. ET.
Background & Context: Pimlico Renovation and Derby Winner Skipping
Pimlico Race Course is undergoing a $400 million redevelopment, prompting the temporary move to Laurel Park. The decision follows a recent pattern: five Kentucky Derby winners have skipped the Preakness since 2019, citing the two-week turnaround as a health concern. Golden Tempo, the 2026 Derby champion, will sit out to target the June Belmont Stakes.
Key Figures & Groups: Entrants, Trainers, and Connections
- Taj Mahal – unbeaten at Laurel, trained by Brittany Russell (favorite after scratches).
- Ocelli – third in the Derby, trained by Withworth Beckman.
- Chip Honcho – Steve Asmussen’s Derby-absent colt.
- Crude Velocity – early favorite (4-1) before being overtaken in the odds board.
- Incredibolt – sixth in the Derby, entered by trainer Riley Mott, jockey Jaime Torres.
- Silent Tactic – scratched on May 11 due to a persistent right-foot bruise (trainer Mark Casse).
- Golden Tempo – Derby winner, trainer Cherie DeVaux (not entered).
Timeline: Pre-Race Milestones
- May 11, 5 p.m. ET – Post-position draw (field reduced to 13 after Silent Tactic’s scratch).
- May 16, 4 p.m. ET – Live broadcast begins; race runs at approx. 6:50 p.m.–7:01 p.m. ET.
Data & Statistics: Field Size, Odds, Purse Distribution
- Expected field: 13 horses (initially 14).
- Morning-line odds after the draw: Taj Mahal 7/2, Ocelli 5/1, Chip Honcho 11/2; Crude Velocity previously listed at 4-1.
- Purse breakdown: 1st $1.2 M, 2nd $400 k, 3rd $220 k, 4th $120 k, 5th $60 k.
Why It Matters: Triple Crown Implications and Betting Landscape
With the Derby winner absent, the Preakness no longer offers a direct Triple Crown path, shifting focus to Belmont prospects. Analysts note a “wide-open” betting market, creating overlay opportunities in exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. The reduced field also alters pace dynamics, favoring horses that can control early fractions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trainer Cherie DeVaux explained that Golden Tempo’s health and long-term outlook take precedence, opting for additional rest before the Belmont.
- Maryland Jockey Club confirmed Incredibolt’s entry, citing his strong Derby form and readiness for the Preakness.
- Trainer Riley Mott reported that Incredibolt “is doing extremely well” ahead of the race.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Turnaround and Field Weakness
Industry commentary highlights the two-week gap between Derby and Preakness as a “standing complaint” for connections, arguing that the schedule pressures horses and may depress field quality. USRacing notes that a weakened field “creates a different kind of betting race,” emphasizing the need for careful pace analysis.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Early favorite varies: some outlets list Crude Velocity (4-1) while later odds place Taj Mahal (7/2) on the board.
- Field size is reported as 14 in pre-draw listings but reduced to 13 after Silent Tactic’s withdrawal.
- Post-time is cited as 6:50 p.m., 7:01 p.m., and a 4 p.m. broadcast start, reflecting differing network schedules.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer, Golden Tempo
- “We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer, Golden Tempo
- “The horse is doing extremely well,” — Riley Mott, Trainer, Incredibolt
- “Trainer Brittney Russell will saddle the local star; the son of Derby winner Nyquist is 3-for-3 with all of his races at Laurel Park,” — Jody Demling, Analyst, SportsLine
- “The consensus among sharp bettors is that this field is genuinely wide open in a way we have not seen in the Preakness for several years.” — USRacing analyst
What’s Next: Post Position Draw and Belmont Stakes Outlook
The official gate assignments will be released after the May 11 draw, shaping final betting strategies. Golden Tempo’s team will refocus on the June 6 Belmont Stakes, where the Derby winner will seek redemption after skipping the Preakness.
