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Preakness Shifts to Laurel Park, Iron Honor Favored

5/16/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 151st Preakness Stakes will be run at Laurel Park on Saturday May 16, 2026, marking its first departure from Pimlico.
Fourteen horses will start, with Iron Honor listed as the 9-2 morning-line favorite.
Derby champion Golden Tempo will not run, leaving the field open for other top contenders.
SportsLine analyst Jody Demling lists Napoleon Solo at 8-1 as a surprise pick.
Demling also recommends a double-digit longshot for exotic wagers.

History

Historical Context

In 1911 the Maryland Jockey Club opened Laurel Park with a one-mile dirt track, immediately challenging the club’s 1870-opened Pimlico venue that had hosted the Preakness since its inaugural 1873 running. Exactly 115 years later, the 151st Preakness Stakes in 2026 will move from Pimlico to Laurel Park, reviving the early-century shift and promising new betting revenue for the Maryland Jockey Club.

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Story summary

The 151st Preakness Stakes will be run at Laurel Park on Saturday May 16, 2026, marking its first departure from Pimlico.
Fourteen horses will start, with Iron Honor listed as the 9-2 morning-line favorite.
Derby champion Golden Tempo will not run, leaving the field open for other top contenders.
SportsLine analyst Jody Demling lists Napoleon Solo at 8-1 as a surprise pick.
Demling also recommends a double-digit longshot for exotic wagers.

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