The Preakness 2026 field is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with a mix of seasoned contenders and promising newcomers. Here's a deep dive into the key players, their stories, and what makes this year's race so intriguing.
Chip Honcho: The Rising Star
Chip Honcho, trained by the legendary Steve Asmussen, is a colt with a bright future. His recent performance in the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star Stakes has been impressive, and his half-mile work in 50.2 seconds at Churchill Downs is a strong indicator of his potential. Asmussen, a Hall of Famer with a record-breaking win total, believes Chip Honcho is in great shape and is eager to avoid an outside draw. With Kentucky Derby-winning jockey José Ortiz in the saddle, this colt is a serious contender.
Iron Honor: Relaxation and Strategy
Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown, is a seasoned veteran with a Preakness win under his belt. His recent performance in the Wood Memorial Stakes was less than stellar, but Brown is confident in his strategy. By removing blinkers and putting Flavien Prat aboard, Brown aims to get Iron Honor to relax and save energy. The colt's preference for a middle-to-inside draw and his ability to track horses make him a strong contender.
Taj Mahal: The Unbeaten Favorite
Taj Mahal, based at Laurel Park, is undefeated in three starts. His recent bullet work in 1:00.2 and his dominant performance in the Federico Tesio Stakes have solidified his status as a favorite. Trainer Brittany Russell, who would become the first female trainer to win the Preakness, is confident in her colt's abilities. With Sheldon Russell in the saddle, Taj Mahal is a force to be reckoned with.
Ocelli: The Maiden's Chance
Ocelli, trained by Whit Beckman, is on a mission to become the first maiden to win the Preakness in 138 years. His third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, where he took the lead at the sixteenth pole, showcases his competitive spirit. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who picked up the mount when Fulleffort was scratched, believes Ocelli has a big chance. This colt's determination and skill make him a dark horse in the race.
Robusta: The Long Shot
Calumet Farm's homebred Robusta, trained by Doug O'Neill, is a long shot but not without potential. His 14th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, despite a challenging post position, is a testament to his resilience. O'Neill is confident in Robusta's fitness and believes he is up to the task of a shorter distance and a smaller field. With Rafael Bejarano in the saddle, this colt could surprise.
The Hell We Did: Authenticity and Resilience
The Hell We Did, an Authentic colt trained by Todd Fincher, is a younger half-brother to the Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador. His recent workout, despite being interrupted, was impressive. Assistant trainer Oscar Rojero believes the colt is moving well, and his second-fastest time of 1:01.4 is a strong indicator. This colt's authenticity and resilience make him a contender to watch.
Corona de Oro: Hall of Fame Legacy
Corona de Oro, trained by Dallas Stewart, is a Bolt d'Oro colt with a Hall of Fame legacy. Hall of Famer John Velazquez, at 54, has the mount, aiming to surpass Mike Smith's record. Stewart is confident in his colt's energy and readiness. This race could be a historic moment for Velazquez and a testament to Corona de Oro's potential.
Great White: Final Decision
Great White, trained by John Ennis, is a gelding with a strong performance at The Thoroughbred Center. Ennis, after a thorough jog, is set to make a final decision on entering the race. The colt's energy and fitness are a positive sign, and his co-owner Three Chimneys Farm's input will be crucial.
Napoleon Solo: Front-Running Spirit
Napoleon Solo, trained by Chad Summers, is a front-running colt with a strong Saratoga debut and a decisive win in the Champagne Stakes. A bruised heel disrupted his Derby preparation, but he showed promise in the Wood Memorial Stakes. Jockey Paco Lopez, who rode him in the Wood, retains the mount. This colt's front-running spirit and recent performance make him a contender.
Bull by the Horns: Essential Quality
Bull by the Horns, an Essential Quality colt, is a Peachtree Stable and Mark Corrado-owned contender. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., he breezed a half-mile in 47.84 seconds at Gulfstream Park. His recent win in the Rushaway Stakes showcases his speed and determination. This colt's performance and training make him a serious contender.
Pretty Boy Miah: Experience and Potential
Pretty Boy Miah, a Beau Liam gelding, has won his last two starts since adding blinkers. Trained by Jeremiah Englehart, he breezed a half-mile in 49.04 seconds at Saratoga Springs. Englehart believes the colt has the potential to compete and is eager to avoid being knocked back to the also-eligible list. With Ricardo Santana Jr. in the saddle, this gelding is a contender with experience.
Talkin: Blue Grass Stakes Third
Talkin, trained by Danny Gargan, finished third in the Blue Grass Stakes. His recent workout at Keeneland was impressive, and he is scheduled to ship to Laurel. This colt's performance and training make him a contender to watch.
Crupper: Bathhouse Row Winner
Crupper, trained by Donnie Von Hemel, earned a free berth by winning the Bathhouse Row Stakes. His recent workout at Churchill Downs' Trackside training center showcases his fitness. Junior Alvarado, who rode him in the Bathhouse Row, retains the mount. This colt's recent success and training make him a contender.
