View from the Grandstand: The 2026 Grade 1 Preakness

By Bob Hill, TSV Staff Writer

Race 13) – Laurel Park – Grade 1 Preakness Stakes 3yo 1-3/16 miles on main track

This year’s edition of the Preakness may be missing star power, but the race does present a very interesting handicapping puzzle to unravel. With the exception of a single horse, every entry in this field presents a racing record that invites questions and/or skepticism. Favoritism is spread rather equally among five of these sophomore runners, but I advise a close look at the full field in the hope of uncovering a live longshot.

1 – Taj Majal (5-1): This is the only horse in this field with a perfect record, albeit that all three of his wins have come on this Laurel oval against competition which is likely of lesser quality than those he’ll face in the Preakness. Trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by Stewart Russell, this frontrunning colt will have to break cleanly in getting to his comfort zone which is on the lead. He certainly is a live betting choice who will attract the money of the locals. He’s a logical contender.

2 – Ocelli (6-1): At odds of 70-1, this guy finished third in the Derby, getting his best ever speed figure in that race where like all the top finishers he rallied from far off the pace. Given that he is the top Derby finisher in this field he’ll get bet in this race. You’ll have to decide if that is a factor pointing you to a win or to disappointment. I see the latter as more likely than the former.

3 – Crupper (30-1): Last seen winning the Oaklawn Park prep for this race when leading from nearly start to finish. Junior Alvarado retains the mount (a plus), but he’ll have to run faster than ever before just to keep up with the frontrunners. I like others better.

4 – Robusta (30-1): Another that ran in the Derby, but in truth he did not do much running there. He did not fare well from the far outside post, got bumped hard early, and faded badly. With all that said, I still see him as a long shot play to hit the board in the Preakness. His best effort was in the G2 San Felipe, and if he can match that effort he has a chance to be around at the finish here.

5 – Talkin (20-1): Here is your chance to bet on a horse ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. at ML odds of 20-1. I expect Irad’s presence will reduce those odds, maybe by as much as cutting them in half. Although he has not made any big splash yet in his career, he’s hung around in good competition. Needs to run better than ever before to have a chance.

6 – Chip Honcho (5-1): The oddsmaker has lumped him in with the top dogs of this race, I guess because of his showing in the G2 Risen Star back in February. My publisher at TSV is adamant that Chip is distance- limited. I’m inclined to take his advice, despite the fact that I’m often attracted to Steve Asmussen horses. Maybe gets a piece, but not on my win candidate list.

7 – The Hell We Did (15-1): His trainer is based out West, but when he brings a horse eastward it is usually with real intent. His second place finish in the G3 Lexington is a plus, although the overall strength of that field is questionable. He’s another that likes being near the pace. I can see him getting a piece of the prize.

8 – Bull by the Horns (30-1): Lifetime best speed figure of 70 suggests he is in way over his head. Connections must be hoping for a miracle.

9 – Iron Honor (9-2): He’s the co-favorite on the morning line. He’s just the kind of Chad Brown trainee to win a race like this. His pedigree is good, and he has a top jockey. A logical play for all the top spots.

10 – Napolean Solo (8-1): His race progression is upside down. His best races were last year, and his 3yo season has been a bust. If you think they’ve figured out his problems he offers value at 8-1. To do so you have to be willing to throw out his last two races, which is akin to guessing in my book.

11 – Corona de Oro (30-1): I doubt we’ll get 30-1 at post time, but he’ll still offer plenty of value. Another that likes to be among the front runners, he is in the capable hands of John Velazquez. He is going to be my top pick to upset this field. His trainer has won Triple Crown races previously.

12 – Incredibolt (5-1): Sneaky sixth place finish in the Derby suggests good form and conditioning. He will have plenty of pace to run into, so this may set up nicely for him. Only one bad race on his resume, so I cannot knock those of you who like his chances to win or finish in the top three.

13 – Great White (15-1): His best races have come on synthetic surfaces, so the question about his ability on dirt is still at the forefront of my analyses. Famously flipped in the Derby starting gate and was scratched. Not for me.

14 – Pretty Boy Miah (15-1): Why does a horse named Pretty Boy have a girl’s name.? Now that’s out of the way. Wintered at Aqueduct, running in maiden and allowance company out of the limelight of stakes competition. Has the speed to contend for the lead, but that part of the field promises to be full of horses with similar intentions. Maybe a piece at the bottom of your ticket.

Bob’s Picks: I’m picking a longshot to win, and another to land in the Super High 5.
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