The official morning line will be published following the post-position draw on Monday, May 11, 2026. Odds will be updated here as soon as they are released. In the meantime, you can lock in early prices at BUSR using the Future Wager pool from the Maryland Jockey Club.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Golden Tempo | TBD |
| Silent Tactic | TBD |
| Crude Velocity | TBD |
| Chip Honcho | TBD |
| Iron Honor | TBD |
| Talkin | TBD |
| Ottinho | TBD |
| Cherokee Nation | TBD |
| Napoleon Solo | TBD |
| Taj Mahal | TBD |
| Great White | TBD |
Last Updated on 05/04/2026
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, and USRacing is the single most comprehensive destination for every betting decision you'll make on the 2026 Preakness. This guide combines live odds, in-depth contender analysis, expert picks, and a complete betting education in one authoritative resource. Whether you're placing your first-ever Preakness bet or structuring a multi-race exotic ticket, you'll find everything you need here.
The 151st Preakness Stakes runs on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, with a post time of approximately 6:50 PM ET. The purse stands at $2 million, with $1.1 million going to the winner. Up to 14 three-year-old Thoroughbreds may enter the starting gate. The Preakness carries no qualifying points system, so connections simply declare, and the outcome is contested over 1 3/16 miles of Laurel Park's main track. The race moves to Laurel Park this year while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a full reconstruction.
BUSR offers the most complete 2026 Preakness Stakes betting menu available, including fixed-odds win betting (lock in your price before it moves), full pari-mutuel exotic wagers, and futures betting available right now. It is the only platform where you can lock in today's prices on Golden Tempo, Silent Tactic, Crude Velocity, or any contender in the field, regardless of how the market moves between now and post time.
| Race | 151st Preakness Stakes - The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Post Time | Approximately 6:50 PM ET |
| Location | Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland |
| Distance | 1 3/16 Miles (9.5 Furlongs) - Dirt |
| Purse | $2,000,000 ($1.1M to the winner) |
| Field | Up to 14 Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds |
| Fixed Odds | Available Now at BUSR - Bet Today's Price |
The road to the 151st Preakness Stakes takes shape in the two weeks following the Kentucky Derby. With the Derby now complete, connections have until the week of the race to declare, and the focus shifts to the May 16, 2026, race at Laurel Park.
Golden Tempo, fresh off his dominant victory in the Kentucky Derby, has emerged as the Triple Crown favorite heading into the Preakness. Only one Derby starter is currently expected to wheel back for the Preakness, while a strong group of fresh horses who bypassed Churchill Downs are pointing directly at Laurel Park. Below is the full possible field for the 2026 Preakness Stakes as of May 4, 2026.
| HORSE | TRAINER | RATING | LAST START | FUTURE WAGER ODDS* | TEND | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Tempo | Cherie DeVaux | 7.89 | 1st (109), Kentucky Derby G1 | 70/1 | → Stable | Possible -- Unconfirmed |
| Silent Tactic | Mark E. Casse | 7.78 | 2nd (115), Arkansas Derby G1 | 25/1 | ▲ Shortening | Possible -- Top Contender |
| Crude Velocity | Bob Baffert | 7.67 | 1st (129), Pat Day Mile G2 | 4/1 | ▲ Shortening | Possible -- Top Contender |
| Chip Honcho | Steven M. Asmussen | 7.56 | 5th (103), Louisiana Derby G2 | 25/1 | → Stable | Probable |
| Iron Honor | Chad C. Brown | 7.49 | 7th (94), Wood Memorial G2 | 19/1 | ▼ Drifting | Probable |
| Ottinho | Chad C. Brown | 7.40 | 2nd (113), Blue Grass G1 | 70/1 | → Stable | Possible |
| Talkin | Danny Gargan | 7.36 | 3rd (110), Blue Grass G1 | 50/1 | → Stable | Probable |
| Cherokee Nation | Bob Baffert | 7.34 | 6th (104), Santa Anita Derby G1 | 22/1 | ▼ Drifting | Possible |
| Talk To Me Jimmy | Rudy R. Rodriguez | 7.31 | 8th (94), Wood Memorial G2 | 50/1 | ▼ Drifting | Possible |
| Great White | John Ennis | 7.17 | 5th (98), Blue Grass G1 | 90/1 | → Stable | Possible |
| Napoleon Solo | Chad Summers | 7.14 | 5th (96), Wood Memorial G2 | 40/1 | ▼ Drifting | Probable |
| Taj Mahal | Brittany T. Russell | 7.09 | 1st (121), Federico Tesio LS | 20/1 | ▲ Shortening | Probable |
| The Hell We Did | Todd W. Fincher | 6.12 | 2nd (111), Lexington G3 | 50/1 | → Stable | Probable |
| Crupper | Donnie K. Von Hemel | 6.73 | 1st (102), Bathhouse Row LS | 99/1 | ▼ Drifting | Possible |
| Express Kid | Justin R. Evans | 6.71 | 2nd (119), Sunland Derby LS | N/A* | → Stable | Possible |
| Pretty Boy Miah | Jeremiah C. Englehart | 0.00 | 1st (116), Aqu Str (4/25/26) | N/A* | → Stable | Possible |
Preakness Stakes odds form rapidly after the Kentucky Derby concludes, and the market undergoes its most significant shifts in three windows. Understanding each window tells you when to bet futures versus waiting:
The 2026 Preakness Stakes field is taking shape in the days following the Kentucky Derby. No official entries have been declared, and the Kentucky Derby winner's participation has not yet been confirmed. The following profiles cover the current list of possibles and probables as of May 4, 2026. The leading Preakness Stakes contenders are listed below.
Odds shown are closing prices from the official 2026 Preakness Stakes Future Wager pool, sourced from the Maryland Jockey Club, which closed May 2, 2026, prior to the Kentucky Derby. These are pre-Derby futures prices and do not reflect post-Derby market movement. Official morning line odds will be released following the post-position draw on Monday, May 11, 2026. This page will be updated as the field is confirmed.
| Horse | Golden Tempo | Odds | 70/1 |
| Trainer | Cherie DeVaux | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Curlin | HRN Rating | 7.89 |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 1st (109 fig, May 2, 2026) | ||
| Analysis | The Kentucky Derby winner and top-rated horse in the 2026 Preakness field by HRN rating (7.89), Golden Tempo arrives at Laurel Park as the clear-cut favorite in pursuit of the Triple Crown. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, a conditioner with a proven ability to manage horses through the Triple Crown grind, the Curlin colt posted a 109 Beyer in his Derby victory, the top figure in the current field. The two-week turnaround historically suits horses who do not require a pace meltdown to win, and Golden Tempo's running style fits the 1 3/16-mile configuration well. His participation in the Preakness has not been confirmed as of May 4, 2026. Trainer Cherie DeVaux said it is "on the table" but the decision depends on how the horse comes out of the Derby. Monitor his status before placing any bets involving Golden Tempo. | ||
| Horse | Silent Tactic | Odds | 25/1 |
| Trainer | Mark E. Casse | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Tacitus | HRN Rating | 7.78 |
| Last Race | 2026 Arkansas Derby (G1) -- 2nd (115 fig) | ||
| Analysis | The most compelling value play in the 2026 Preakness field. Silent Tactic posted the highest Beyer Speed Figure of any horse in this field, a 115 in the Arkansas Derby (G1), which went under the radar because he finished second. Mark Casse's Tacitus colt bypassed the Kentucky Derby to point directly to Laurel Park, arriving with maximum freshness and a speed figure that dwarfs anything the Derby returnees posted at Churchill Downs. A 115 Beyer is a Preakness-winning figure in most years. At 25/1 in the Future Wager pool, this is outstanding Win value in the field and the most important horse in any serious exotic ticket. | ||
| Horse | Crude Velocity | Odds | 25/1 |
| Trainer | Bob Baffert | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Beau Liam | HRN Rating | 7.67 |
| Last Race | 2026 Pat Day Mile (G2) -- 1st (129 fig) | ||
| Analysis | The most explosive speed figure in the entire 2026 Preakness probable field. Crude Velocity's 129 Beyer in the Pat Day Mile (G2) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day is a number that commands immediate respect -- it is 14 points higher than any other horse in this field recorded in their most recent start. Bob Baffert is the all-time Preakness Stakes leader with 8 victories, and his ability to peak a horse for a Triple Crown race on a short turnaround is unmatched in modern racing history. The key question is whether Crude Velocity can stretch the 1 3/16 miles after running the Pat Day Mile at one mile, but Baffert horses have answered that question before. At 4/1 in the Future Wager pool, he is the early favorite and a must-use in all exotic combinations and a legitimate straight Win contender. | ||
| Horse | Chip Honcho | Odds | 25/1 |
| Trainer | Steven M. Asmussen | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Connect | HRN Rating | 7.56 |
| Last Race | 2026 Louisiana Derby (G2) -- 5th (103 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Steven Asmussen's Connect colt carries a strong HRN rating (7.56) into the Preakness despite a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2). A 103 Beyer in that effort was below expectations, but Asmussen is one of the shrewdest conditioners in the country and horses from his barn frequently bounce back sharply after a prep-race setback. The Louisiana Derby has a mixed record as a Preakness prep, and Chip Honcho's connections clearly believe Laurel Park is the right target. At 25/1 in the Future Wager pool, he represents a compelling contrarian play for bettors willing to look past one subpar effort -- a key Superfecta and Trifecta inclusion in any multi-horse ticket. | ||
| Horse | Taj Mahal | Odds | 20/1 |
| Trainer | Brittany T. Russell | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Nyquist | HRN Rating | 7.09 |
| Last Race | 2026 Federico Tesio (LS) -- 1st (121 fig) | ||
| Analysis | The most interesting local angle in the 2026 Preakness. Taj Mahal won the Federico Tesio Stakes, the traditional local prep for Laurel Park, with a sharp 121 Beyer Speed Figure, the second-highest figure posted by any horse in this probable field. Brittany Russell's Nyquist colt is undefeated in three career starts, all run at Laurel Park, giving him a genuine home-track advantage no other contender can match. The Federico Tesio is specifically designed as a Preakness prep and has produced multiple competitive Preakness horses in recent years. At 20/1, Taj Mahal is a serious overlay, the best longshot Win value in the race, and an automatic inclusion in every Trifecta and Superfecta ticket at this price. | ||
| Horse | Iron Honor | Odds | 19/1 |
| Trainer | Chad C. Brown | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Nyquist | HRN Rating | 7.49 |
| Last Race | 2026 Wood Memorial (G2) -- 7th (94 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Chad Brown's top Preakness hope is a horse who has clearly underperformed his talent level in recent starts. A 94 Beyer and seventh-place finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) is a troubling prep on the surface, but Brown's HRN rating of 7.49 for Iron Honor reflects his underlying class and prior form. Brown is historically one of the best trainers at finding spots for horses who have bounced off a bad effort, and the Preakness, with its smaller, more manageable field, could be the right race to find him back on song. At 19/1 in the Future Wager pool, use cautiously -- place him in Trifecta and Superfecta tickets but hold off on Win exposure until the post draw and final workouts are assessed. | ||
| Horse | Ottinho | Odds | 70/1 |
| Trainer | Chad C. Brown | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Quality Road | HRN Rating | 7.40 |
| Last Race | 2026 Blue Grass (G1) -- 2nd (113 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Chad Brown's second Preakness entry and arguably the more encouraging of the two. Ottinho finished second in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, posting a 113 Beyer that ranks among the top figures in the current field. Brown deploys a two-pronged Preakness attack with Iron Honor and Ottinho, maximizing his barn's chances of winning the second jewel. A Quality Road colt is bred to be effective at middle distances, and the step back from the Blue Grass to 1 3/16 miles is an asset rather than a liability. At 70/1 in the Future Wager pool, Ottinho is a deep longshot inclusion but his Blue Grass form gives him a genuine each-way case at the right price. | ||
| Horse | Talkin | Odds | 50/1 |
| Trainer | Danny Gargan | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Good Magic | HRN Rating | 7.36 |
| Last Race | 2026 Blue Grass (G1) -- 3rd (110 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Danny Gargan's Good Magic colt ran a solid third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, posting a 110 Beyer in a Grade 1 field -- a figure that translates well to the 1 3/16-mile Preakness distance. Gargan is a respected conditioner who has shown the ability to bring horses to peak form for major spots, and Talkin's Blue Grass effort suggests he has the class to be competitive at this level. He bypassed the Kentucky Derby to point directly at Laurel Park, arriving fresh and benefiting from the lighter wear of skipping Churchill Downs. At 50/1 in the Future Wager pool, Talkin is a strong Trifecta and Superfecta inclusion and a credible longshot Win play for bettors who appreciate fresh horses with graded-stakes form. | ||
| Horse | The Hell We Did | Odds | 50/1 |
| Trainer | Todd W. Fincher | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Authentic | HRN Rating | 6.12 |
| Last Race | 2026 Lexington (G3) -- 2nd (111 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Todd Fincher's Authentic colt enters as one of the more intriguing longshots in the 2026 Preakness. A second-place finish in the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland produced a respectable 111 Beyer, better than Chip Honcho's most recent figure, and Fincher has been quietly building this horse toward a peak Laurel Park effort. The HRN rating (6.12) is the lowest among the Probable entrants, reflecting his less-proven record at the graded stakes level, but his Beyer trajectory and fresh approach make him a compelling low-cost Superfecta inclusion. At 50/1 in the Future Wager pool, a $0.10 Superfecta ticket covering him in fourth is virtually free, and the upside if he fires a career-best is significant. | ||
| Horse | Cherokee Nation | Odds | 22/1 |
| Trainer | Bob Baffert | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Not This Time | HRN Rating | 7.34 |
| Last Race | 2026 Santa Anita Derby (G1) -- 6th (104 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Bob Baffert's second Preakness entry and a horse whose talent exceeds his most recent result. A sixth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and a 104 Beyer do not jump off the page, but Baffert is the Preakness Stakes all-time wins leader (8 victories) and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to peak horses between their last prep and the second jewel. A Not This Time colt carries a pedigree profile that suggests improvement with distance and maturity, both factors that favor the Preakness over the Derby's more demanding 10-furlong test. At 22/1 in the Future Wager pool, Cherokee Nation is a value-oriented Trifecta and Superfecta inclusion alongside stablemate Crude Velocity. | ||
| Horse | Napoleon Solo | Odds | 40/1 |
| Trainer | Chad Summers | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Liam's Map | HRN Rating | 7.14 |
| Last Race | 2026 Wood Memorial (G2) -- 5th (96 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Chad Summers' Liam's Map colt finished fifth in the Wood Memorial (G2) with a 96 Beyer, a modest figure that raises questions at this level. His HRN rating (7.14) suggests underlying ability beyond his most recent effort, and his next declared target is the Long Branch Stakes rather than the Preakness outright, which introduces some uncertainty around his participation at Laurel Park. Connections will likely use the Long Branch as a final fitness test before making a final call. At 40/1 in the Future Wager pool, he is a low-cost inclusion in wide Superfecta tickets but warrants no straight Win investment unless his Long Branch performance delivers a major step forward. | ||
| Horse | Express Kid | Odds | N/A* |
| Trainer | Justin R. Evans | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Bodexpress | HRN Rating | 6.71 |
| Last Race | 2026 Sunland Derby (LS) -- 2nd (119 fig) | ||
| Analysis | The most overlooked horse in the probable Preakness field. Express Kid posted a 119 Beyer Speed Figure finishing second in the Sunland Derby, a figure that only Crude Velocity, Silent Tactic, and Taj Mahal have bettered among the current probables. He comes from the Southwest prep route via Justin Evans' barn, which rarely produces Preakness starters, and the public will likely dismiss him at the windows. Not included in the Future Wager pool -- identified as a late post-Derby addition by DRF and Paulick Report. A Bodexpress colt with a 119 Beyer and a direct Preakness declaration deserves far more respect than his morning-line odds will reflect. Prime $0.10 Superfecta value. | ||
| Horse | Crupper | Odds | 99/1 |
| Trainer | Donnie K. Von Hemel | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Candy Ride | HRN Rating | 6.73 |
| Last Race | 2026 Bathhouse Row (LS) -- 1st (102 fig) | ||
| Analysis | Donnie Von Hemel's Candy Ride colt won the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Park to secure his Preakness declaration, posting a 102 Beyer in the process. The figure is the lowest among declared horses and represents a significant step up in class -- the Bathhouse Row is a listed stakes, not a graded event -- but Von Hemel has made this exact move before with horses pointed at Triple Crown races from the Oaklawn Park pipeline. At 99/1 in the Future Wager pool, Crupper is a deep Superfecta inclusion for bettors constructing wide tickets, but no Win or Trifecta investment is warranted unless workouts out of Laurel Park show a significant fitness upgrade. | ||
| Horse | Great White | Odds | 90/1 |
| Trainer | John Ennis | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Volatile | HRN Rating | 7.17 |
| Last Race | 2026 Blue Grass (G1) -- 5th (98 fig) | ||
| Analysis | John Ennis' Volatile colt ran fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland with a 98 Beyer, a competitive effort in a Grade 1 field. His HRN rating (7.17) is respectable and above several of the horses ahead of him in the probable list, reflecting consistent form across his prep campaign. Ennis trains a compact, well-managed string and has Great White pointing directly at Laurel Park with no intermediate start. At 90/1 in the Future Wager pool, he is a deep Superfecta inclusion and deserves consideration in the bottom slots of any $0.10 Superfecta box alongside the top contenders. | ||
| Horse | Pretty Boy Miah | Odds | N/A* |
| Trainer | Jeremiah C. Englehart | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Beau Liam | HRN Rating | N/A |
| Last Race | Aqueduct Allowance (Str.) -- 1st (116 fig, Apr 25, 2026) | ||
| Analysis | The wildcard of the 2026 Preakness field. Pretty Boy Miah carries an unrated HRN profile (0.00), meaning insufficient graded-stakes data for a full rating, but his most recent Beyer of 116 in an Aqueduct allowance on April 25 is a genuinely eye-catching number. Jeremiah Englehart is a skilled New York-based conditioner who targets horses for major spots when he believes they are ready, and pointing an allowance winner directly to the Preakness just three weeks later is a bold declaration of confidence. A Beau Liam colt, same sire as Crude Velocity, brings an intriguing pedigree link to the barn's established Preakness contender. Not included in the Future Wager pool -- a late addition identified post-Derby. This is the ultimate $0.10 Superfecta speculation: almost no cost to include him, and enormous upside if Englehart has a live dark horse on his hands. | ||
| Horse | Talk To Me Jimmy | Odds | 50/1 |
| Trainer | Rudy R. Rodriguez | Jockey | TBD |
| Sire | Modernist | HRN Rating | 7.31 |
| Last Race | 2026 Wood Memorial (G2) -- 8th (94 fig) | Next: Peter Pan (G3) | ||
| Analysis | Rudy Rodriguez's Modernist colt finished eighth in the Wood Memorial (G2), the worst recent result among all Preakness possibles, and his next declared start is the Peter Pan Stakes (G3) at Belmont rather than the Preakness directly. His participation at Laurel Park is conditional on a strong Peter Pan performance, making him one of the more uncertain entries on the possible list. At a 94 Beyer in the Wood Memorial, significant improvement is required. However, his HRN rating (7.31) reflects a horse with more underlying ability than his most recent race showed, and the Peter Pan-to-Preakness path, while unusual, is not unprecedented. Monitor his Peter Pan result before placing any exotic ticket inclusion. | ||
The Preakness Stakes offers the full range of wagering options available at BUSR for the 2026 race, with real examples using the current field, minimum stakes, and payout potential -- from a $1 Win bet to a $0.10 Superfecta and $0.50 Pick 6 targeting a carryover jackpot.
| Bet Type | Category | Difficulty | Example | Min. Stake | Payout Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Silent Tactic finishes 1st | $1 | Moderate |
| Place | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Silent Tactic finishes 1st or 2nd | $1 | Low-Mod |
| Show | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Silent Tactic finishes top 3 | $1 | Low |
| Exacta | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Golden Tempo 1st, Silent Tactic 2nd -- exact order | $1 | Moderate |
| Exacta Box | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Silent Tactic + Crude Velocity -- either order | $2 | Moderate |
| Trifecta | Exotic | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Exact 1-2-3: Golden Tempo / Silent Tactic / Crude Velocity | $1 | High |
| Trifecta Box | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Any 3 horses, any order for 1-2-3 | $6 | High |
| Superfecta | Exotic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Expert | Exact 1-2-3-4: Golden Tempo / Silent Tactic / Crude Velocity / Taj Mahal | $0.10 | Very High |
| Pick 3 / 4 | Multi | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Win 3-4 consecutive races incl. Preakness | $0.50 | Very High |
| Pick 5 / 6 | Multi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Expert | Win 5-6 consecutive races; Pick 6 carryover | $0.50 | Massive |
| Win (Fixed) | Fixed | ⭐ Beginner | Crude Velocity at 4/1 -- price locked at bet | $1 | Guaranteed |
Win pays if your horse finishes first. Place pays if your horse finishes first or second. Show pays for a top-three finish. The trade-off is simple: safety comes at the cost of payout. Show bets on a short-priced Triple Crown favorite rarely offer a meaningful return. The best straight-bet approach for the 2026 Preakness is targeting Win bets in the 7/1 to 20/1 range on horses with legitimate credentials, where single-horse risk/reward is most compelling. If Golden Tempo is declared, avoid Win bets at a short price -- the risk/reward would be too compressed for serious value. Crude Velocity (4/1 in the Future Wager pool) is the strongest early win candidate with a confirmed Preakness target.
Exotic bets require picking multiple horses in the same race. The Exacta predicts the first two finishers in exact order; the Trifecta adds a third; the Superfecta adds a fourth. Boxing a combination covers all possible orderings at a multiplied cost -- a $1 three-horse Exacta box costs $6. The Preakness's compact field of up to 14 starters regularly produces surprise placers that generate outsized payouts. In 2025, the $1 Exacta (Journalism/Gosger) paid $16.90, the $1 Trifecta paid $73.50, and the $1 Superfecta paid $303.40. In 2023, the $1 Superfecta paid $1,388.00.
| Best Exotic Play: Use the $0.10 Superfecta box to cover 4-5 horses at a low cost. At $0.10 minimum, a five-horse Superfecta box costs $12 and covers all 120 possible 1-2-3-4 combinations among your five horses. The Preakness field is smaller than the Derby's, so fewer horses are needed to efficiently cover the key exotics. |
Multi-race bets require winning consecutive races, with the Preakness typically anchoring the final leg of a Pick 4, Pick 5, or Pick 6 sequence. Pick 6 pools at Laurel Park on Preakness Day can carry over from prior racing days, building significant jackpots. Minimum stakes can be as low as $0.50 per combination, making multi-race tickets accessible even on a modest budget.
Understanding potential returns before you bet is essential to sizing your positions correctly. The table below uses actual 2025 Preakness Stakes results (Journalism 1st, Gosger 2nd, Sandman 3rd) to illustrate real payouts across all common wager types. These are confirmed 2025 figures -- not estimates. The 2026 figures will be updated once the official morning line is released after the post-position draw on Monday, May 11, 2026.
| Wager (2025 Actual Results) | Stake | Actual Odds | Actual Profit | Total Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win: Journalism (Even odds) | $20 | Even | $20 | $40 |
| Place: Gosger (2nd) | $20 | N/A | Paid $2.80 per $2 | $28 |
| $2 Exacta: Journalism / Gosger | $2 | ~7-1 | $14.90 | $16.90 |
| $1 Trifecta: Journalism / Gosger / Sandman | $1 | ~72-1 | $72.50 | $73.50 |
| $1 Superfecta (top 4 in order) | $1 | ~302-1 | $302.40 | $303.40 |
| $0.10 Superfecta Box (5 horses) | $12 | ~300-1 | ~$3,588 | ~$3,600 |
| $0.50 Pick 5 (6 legs) | $0.50 | ~400-1 | $199.50 | $200 |
| Win (Fixed, BUSR) -- lock price before post | $50 | Fixed | Guaranteed at time of bet | No tote fluctuation |
| Sizing Tip: Structure your Preakness budget across three layers: a moderate Win bet on your top selection (40% of budget), a broader Exacta/Trifecta ticket (40%), and a Superfecta box or multi-race ticket (20%). This approach captures single-horse value while preserving upside in the exotics. Update your win selection once the official morning line is released after the post draw on Monday, May 11, 2026. |
The Preakness Stakes presents a unique handicapping challenge. A condensed two-week turnaround from the Derby, a smaller field, and a shorter distance than Churchill Downs all create meaningful strategic differences. The table below captures the most proven Preakness betting approaches, with 2026-specific applications.
| Strategy | How It Works | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Target the Fresh Horse | Horses who bypassed the Derby and freshened for the Preakness win at a disproportionate rate. Silent Tactic (25/1), Talkin (50/1), and Taj Mahal (20/1) are the key fresh horses in 2026, all pointing to Laurel Park with targeted preparations. | Medium |
| Speed Figure Focus | Crude Velocity's 129 Beyer in the Pat Day Mile and Silent Tactic's 115 in the Arkansas Derby are the top figures in the 2026 probable field. Horses who posted sub-95 Beyer figures in their most recent start face a significant class question at this level. | Low |
| Trainer Angle | Prioritize trainers with proven Preakness records. Bob Baffert (Crude Velocity 4/1, Cherokee Nation 22/1) is the all-time leader with 8 Preakness victories. Chad Brown (Iron Honor 19/1, Ottinho 70/1) won in 2017 and 2022. Mark Casse (Silent Tactic 25/1) won in 2019. | Low-Med |
| Fade the Tired Favorite | Triple Crown attempts create massive public support for the Derby winner, which often compresses the Preakness win pool. Golden Tempo has not confirmed his entry as of May 4. Structuring exotics around him only if declared, while backing Crude Velocity (4/1) and Taj Mahal (20/1) with straight bets is the optimal play. | Medium |
| Exotic Wheeling | Select a strong opinion horse on top across Exacta/Trifecta tickets, then spread wider in lower positions. Example: Silent Tactic on top of 5 horses in an Exacta part-wheel for $5 total exposure. | Medium |
| $0.10 Superfecta Box | Cover 4-5 horses in a $0.10 Superfecta box for $12 total cost. Including longshots like Talkin (50/1) or The Hell We Did (50/1) alongside the favorites can yield significant four-figure returns if the top choices underperform. | Med-High |
| Fixed Odds Lock-In | Bet BUSR fixed odds on contenders now, before the official field is declared and post positions are drawn. Crude Velocity is the sole early favorite at 4/1 in the Future Wager pool. Prices will shift significantly after the post draw on Monday, May 11. | Low |
| Post Position Filter | Laurel Park's track configuration makes post position a meaningful factor. Monitor the post-position draw on Monday, May 11, to finalize your betting strategy before prices firm on race day. | Low |
The Preakness market is uniquely shaped by what happened two weeks earlier at Churchill Downs. Understanding the relationship between the Derby and Preakness is essential to identifying value in the 2026 field.
| Scenario | Frequency | Betting Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Derby winner runs in Preakness | ~75% of years | Derby winner typically becomes an odds-on Preakness favorite. The Win pool offers little value -- focus on exotics around the favorite. |
| Derby winner wins Preakness | ~60% of starters | When the Derby winner runs in the Preakness, they win approximately 60% of the time -- but at odds so short that straight Win bets are rarely profitable long-term. |
| Fresh horse (skipped Derby) wins | ~30% of years | Non-Derby horses win the Preakness roughly 30% of the time and are almost always overlays at the windows. Silent Tactic (25/1), Talkin (50/1), and Taj Mahal (20/1) are the primary fresh-horse angles in 2026. |
| Derby runner-up reverses in Preakness | ~25% of years | The second-place Derby finisher beats the winner in the Preakness more often than the public prices suggest. Renegade (2nd in Derby) is not expected to run per DRF. No confirmed Derby runner-up is targeting the 2026 Preakness at this stage -- watch for declarations as the week develops. |
| Outside-post disadvantage | Consistently | Laurel Park's track configuration makes post position an important factor. The post draw on Monday, May 11, 2026 is a critical final input before finalizing your Preakness ticket. |
The Laurel Park surface condition -- fast, good, muddy, sloppy, or heavy -- is one of the most important late-breaking variables in Preakness wagering. Check the Maryland weather forecast on Friday, May 15, and adjust your strategy accordingly:
| Weather Watch: If significant rain is forecast for Maryland on Friday-Saturday, reconsider any Win bets on pure speed types and restructure your exotic tickets to include closers and mudders at high prices. The Laurel Park main track can become deep and tiring in wet conditions, which historically benefits late-running horses. |
Historical winners are one of the most valuable handicapping tools available. Trainer patterns, jockey trends, and winning odds ranges repeat far more often than most bettors realize. The table below covers the last 10 Preakness Stakes winners. Use it to validate your 2026 selections against proven winning profiles.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | Michael McCarthy | 1:55.47 |
| 2024 | Seize The Grey | Jaime Torres | D.Wayne Lukas | 1:56.82 |
| 2023 | National Treasure | John Velazquez | Bob Baffert | 1:55.12 |
| 2022 | Early Voting | Jose Ortiz | Chad Brown | 1:54.54 |
| 2021 | Rombauer | Flavien Prat | Michael McCarthy | 1:53.62 |
| 2020 | Swiss Skydiver | Robby Albarado | Kenny McPeek | 1:53.28 |
| 2019 | War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | Mark E. Casse | 1:54:34 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | 1:55:93 |
| 2017 | Cloud Computing | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown | 1:55:98 |
| 2016 | Exaggerator | Kent Desormeaux | Keith Desormeaux | 1:58:31 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 1:58:46 |
| 2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza | Art Sherman | 1:54.84 |
| 2013 | Oxbow | Gary Stevens | D. W. Lukas | 1:57.54 |
| 2012 | I'll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill | 1:55.94 |
| 2011 | Shackleford | Jesus Castanon | Dale Romans | 1:56.47 |
| 2010 | Lookin at Lucky | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | 1:55.47 |
| 2009 | Rachel Alexandra | Calvin Borel | Steve Asmussen | 1:55.08 |
| 2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | Richard Dutrow, Jr. | 1:54.80 |
| 2007 | Curlin | Robby Albarado | Steve Asmussen | 1:53 2/5 |
| 2006 | Bernadini | Tom Albertrani | Javier Castellano | 1:54.65 |
| 2005 | Afleet Alex | Jeremy Rose | Tim Ritchey | 1:55.04 |
| 2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliott | John Servis | 1:55.59 |
| 2003 | Funny Cide | Jose Santos | Barclay Tagg | 1:55.61 |
| 2002 | War Emblem | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 1:56 2/5 |
| 2001 | Point Given | Gary Stevens | Bob Baffert | 1:55 2/5 |
| 2000 | Red Bullet | Jerry Bailey | Joe Orseno | 1:56 |
| 1999 | Charismatic | Chris Antley | D. Wayne Lukas | 1:55 1/5 |
| 1998 | Real Quiet | Kent Desormeaux | Bob Baffert | 1:54 4/5 |
| 1997 | Silver Charm | Gary Stevens | Bob Baffert | 1:54 2/5 |
| 1996 | Louis Quatorze | Pat Day | Nick Zito | 1:53 2/5 |
| 1995 | Timber Country | Pat Day | D. Wayne Lukas | 1:54 2/5 |
| 1994 | Tabasco Cat | Pat Day | D. Wayne Lukas | 1:56 2/5 |
| 1993 | Prairie Bayou | Mike Smith | Tom Bohannan | 1:56 3/5 |
| 1992 | Pine Bluff | Chris McCarron | Tom Bohannan | 1:55 3/5 |
| 1991 | Hansel | Jerry Bailey | Frank Brothers | 1:54 |
| 1990 | Summer Squall | Pat Day | Neil Howard | 1:53 3/5 |
| 1989 | Sunday Silence | Pat Valenzuela | Charlie Whittingham | 1:53 4/5 |
| 1988 | Risen Star | Eddie Delahoussaye | Louie Roussel III | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1987 | Alysheba | Chris McCarron | Jack Van Berg | 1:55 4/5 |
| 1986 | Snow Chief | Alex Solis | Melvin Stute | 1:54 4/5 |
| 1984 | Gate Dancer | Angel Cordero Jr. | Jack Van Berg | 1:53 3/5 |
| 1983 | Deputed Testamony | Donald Miller Jr. | Bill Boniface | 1:55 2/5 |
| 1981 | Pleasant Colony | Jorge Velasquez | John Campo | 1:54 3/5 |
| 1980 | Codex | Angel Cordero Jr. | D. Wayne Lukas | 1:54 1/5 |
| 1979 | Spectacular Bid | Ron Franklin | Bud Delp | 1:54 1/5 |
| 1978 | Affirmed | Steve Cauthen | Laz Barrera | 1:54 2/5 |
| 1977 | Seattle Slew | Jean Cruguet | Billy Turner | 1:54 2/5 |
| 1976 | Elocutionist | John Lively | Paul Adwell | 1:55 |
| 1975 | Master Derby | Darrel McHargue | Smiley Adams | 1:56 2/5 |
| 1974 | Little Current | Miguel Rivera | Lou Rondinello | 1:54 3/5 |
| 1973 | Secretariat | Ron Turcotte | Lucien Laurin | 1:54.40 |
| 1972 | Bee Bee Bee | Eldon Nelson | Red Carroll | 1:55 3/5 |
| 1971 | Canonero II | Gustavo Avila | Juan Arias | 1:54 |
| 1970 | Personality | Eddie Belmonte | John Jacobs | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1969 | Majestic Prince | Bill Hartack | Johnny Longden | 1:55 3/5 |
| 1968 | Forward Pass | Ismael Valenzuela | Henry Forrest | 1:56.4/5 |
| 1967 | Damascus | Bill Shoemaker | Frank Whiteley | 1:55 1/5 |
| 1966 | Kauai King | Don Brumfield | Henry Forrest | 1:55 2/5 |
| 1965 | Tom Rolfe | Ron Turcotte | Frank Whiteley | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1964 | Northern Dancer | Bill Hartack | Horatio Luro | 1:56 4/5 |
| 1963 | Candy Spots | Bill Shoemaker | Mesh Tenney | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1962 | Greek Money | John Rotz | V. W. Raines | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1961 | Carry Back | John Sellers | Jack Price | 1:57 3/5 |
| 1960 | Bally Ache | Bobby Ussery | Jimmy Pitt | 1:57 3/5 |
| 1959 | Royal Orbit | William Harmatz | R. Cornell | 1:57 |
| 1958 | Tim Tam | Ismael Valenzuela | Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones | 1:57 1/5 |
| 1957 | Bold Ruler | Eddie Arcaro | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 1:56 1/5 |
| 1956 | Fabius | Bill Hartack | Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones | 1:58 2/5 |
| 1955 | Nashua | Eddie Arcaro | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 1:54 3/5 |
| 1954 | Hasty Road | Johnny Adams | Harry Trotsek | 1:57.40 |
| 1953 | Native Dancer | Eric Guerin | Bill Winfrey | 1:57 4/5 |
| 1952 | Blue Man | Conn McCreary | Woody Stephens | 1:57 2/5 |
| 1951 | Bold | Eddie Arcaro | Preston Burch | 1:56 2/5 |
| 1950 | Hill Prince | Eddie Arcaro | Casey Hayes | 1:59 1/5 |
| 1949 | Capot | Ted Atkinson | John M. Gaver | 1:56 |
| 1948 | Citation | Eddie Arcaro | Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones | 2:02 2/5 |
| 1947 | Faultless | Doug Dodson | Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones | 1:59 |
| 1946 | Assault | Warren Mehrtens | Max Hirsch | 2:01 2/5 |
| 1945 | Polynesian | W. D. Wright | Morris Dixon | 1:58 4/5 |
| 1944 | Pensive | Conn McCreary | Ben A. Jones | 1:59 1/5 |
| 1943 | Count Fleet | Johnny Longden | Don Cameron | 1:57 2/5 |
| 1942 | Alsab | Basil James | Sarge Swenke | 1:57 |
| 1941 | Whirlaway | Eddie Arcaro | Ben A. Jones | 1:58 4/5 |
| 1940 | Bimelech | F. A. Smith | Bill Hurley | 1:58 3/5 |
| 1939 | Challedon | George Seabo | Louis Schaefer | 1:59 4/5 |
| 1938 | Dauber | Maurice Peters | Dick Handlen | 1:59 4/5 |
| 1937 | War Admiral | Charley Kurtsinger | George Conway | 1:58 2/5 |
| 1936 | Bold Venture | George Woolf | Max Hirsch | 1:59 |
| 1935 | Omaha | Willie Saunders | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 1:58 2/5 |
| 1934 | High Quest | Robert Jones | Bob Smith | 1:58 1/5 |
| 1933 | Head Play | Charley Kurtsinger | Thomas Hayes | 2:02 |
| 1932 | Burgoo King | Eugene James | Henry J. "Dick" Thompson | 1:59 4/5 |
| 1931 | Mate | George Ellis | James W. Healy | 1:59 |
| 1930 | Gallant Fox | Earl Sande | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:00 3/5 |
| 1929 | Dr. Freeland | Louis Schaefer | Thomas J. Healey | 2:01 3/5 |
| 1928 | Victorian | Sonny Workman | James Rowe, Jr. | 2:00 1/5 |
| 1927 | Bostonian | Whitey Abel | Fred Hopkins | 2:01 3/5 |
| 1926 | Display | John Maiben | Thomas J. Healey | 1:59 4/5 |
| 1925 | Coventry | Clarence Kummer | William Duke | 1:59 |
| 1924 | Nellie Morse | John Merimee | A. B. Gordon | 1:57 1/5 |
| 1923 | Vigil | Benny Marinelli | Thomas J. Healey | 1:53 3/5 |
| 1922 | Pillory | L. Morris | Thomas J. Healey | 1:51 3/5 |
| 1921 | Broomspun | Frank Coltiletti | James Rowe, Sr. | 1:54 1/5 |
| 1919 | Sir Barton | Johnny Loftus | H. Guy Bedwell | 1:53 |
| 1918 | Jack Hare Jr. | Charles Peak | F. D. Weir | 1:53 2/5 |
| 1918 | War Cloud | Johnny Loftus | W. B. Jennings | 1:53 3/5 |
| 1917 | Kalitan | E. Haynes | Bill Hurley | 1:54 2/5 |
| 1916 | Damrosch | Linus McAtee | A. G. Weston | 1:54 4/5 |
| 1915 | Rhine Maiden | Douglas Hoffman | F. Devers | 1:58 |
| 1914 | Holiday | Andy Schuttinger | J. S. Healy | 1:53 4/5 |
| 1913 | Buskin | James Butwell | John Whalen | 1:53 2/5 |
| 1912 | Colonel Holloway | Clarence Turner | D. Woodford | 1:56 3/5 |
| 1911 | Watervale | Eddie Dugan | John Whalen | 1:51 |
| 1910 | Layminster | Roy Estep | J. S. Healy | 1:40 3/5 |
| 1909 | Effendi | Willie Doyle | F. C. Frisbie | 1:39 4/5 |
| 1908 | Royal Tourist | Eddie Dugan | Andrew J. Joyner | 1:46 2/5 |
| 1907 | Don Enrique | G. Mountain | John Whalen | 1:45 2/5 |
| 1906 | Whimsical | Walter Miller | T. J. Gaynor | 1:45 |
| 1905 | Cairngorm | W. Davis | Andrew J. Joyner | 1:45 4/5 |
| 1904 | Bryn Mawr | E. Hildebrand | W. F. Presgrave | 1:44 1/5 |
| 1903 | Flocarline | W. Gannon | H. C. Riddle | 1:44 4/5 |
| 1902 | Old England | L. Jackson | G. B. Morris | 1:45 4/5 |
| 1901 | The Parader | F. Landry | Thomas J. Healey | 1:47 1/5 |
| 1900 | Hindus | H. Spencer | J. H. Morris | 1:48 2/5 |
| 1899 | Half Time | R. Clawson | Frank McCabe | 1:47 |
| 1898 | Sly Fox | Willie Simms | Hardy Campbell | 1:49 3/4 |
| 1897 | Paul Kauvar | T. Thorpe | T. P. Hayes | 1:51 1/4 |
| 1896 | Margrave | Henry Griffin | Byron McClelland | 1:51 |
| 1895 | Belmar | Fred Taral | E. Feakes | 1:50 1/2 |
| 1894 | Assignee | Fred Taral | W. Lakeland | 1:49 1/4 |
| 1890 | Montague | W. Martin | E. Feakes | 2:36 3/4 |
| 1889 | Buddhist | George B. Anderson | J. Rogers | 2:17 1/2 |
| 1888 | Refund | Fred Littlefield | Robert W. Walden | 2:49 |
| 1887 | Dunboyne (horse) | William Donohue | W. Jennings | 2:39 1/2 |
| 1886 | The Bard | S. Fisher | J. Huggins | 2:45 |
| 1885 | Tecumseh | Jim McLaughlin | Charles Littlefield | 2:49 |
| 1884 | Knight of Ellerslie | S. Fisher | T. B. Doswell | 2:39 1/2 |
| 1883 | Jacobus | George Barbee | R. Dwyer | 2:42 1/2 |
| 1882 | Vanguard | T. Costello | Robert W. Walden | 2:44 1/2 |
| 1881 | Saunterer | T. Costello | Robert W. Walden | 2:40 1/2 |
| 1880 | Grenada | Lloyd Hughes | Robert W. Walden | 2:40 1/2 |
| 1879 | Harold | Lloyd Hughes | Robert W. Walden | 2:40 1/2 |
| 1878 | Duke of Magenta | C. Holloway | Robert W. Walden | 2:41 3/4 |
| 1877 | Cloverbrook | C. Holloway | J. Walden | 2:45 1/2 |
| 1876 | Shirley | George Barbee | W. Brown | 2:44.75 |
| 1875 | Tom Ochiltree | Lloyd Hughes | Robert W. Walden | 2:43 1/2 |
| 1874 | Culpepper | William Donohue | H. Gaffney | 2:56 1/2 |
| 1873 | Survivor | George Barbee | A. D. Pryor | 2:43 |
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| Fixed Odds | Lock in your price before post time. The odds you bet are the odds you get paid -- no tote fluctuation, no surprises. |
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| Preakness Futures | Bet the Preakness winner now at today's prices. Lock in value before declarations and the post-position draw compress the market. |
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With the strategy framework above in place, here is where US Racing's handicappers are putting their money. The following picks are current as of May 4, 2026, with the official field declaration and post-position draw still to come. These are actionable bets, not just analysis.
| USRacing Expert Analysis - 2026 Preakness Stakes |
|---|
| [SOLID BET] Silent Tactic (25/1): Mark Casse's Tacitus colt posted the highest Beyer Speed Figure of any horse in the 2026 Preakness probable field, a 115 in the Arkansas Derby (G1), and bypassed the Kentucky Derby to target Laurel Park specifically. A 115 Beyer is a Preakness-winning figure in most years. He arrives fresh, sharp, and purpose-trained for this exact race. At 25/1, this is outstanding Win value in the field and the most important horse on any serious exotic ticket. |
| [VALUE PLAY] Taj Mahal (20/1): The most overlooked horse in the race. Brittany Russell's Nyquist colt won the Federico Tesio Stakes, the traditional local Laurel Park prep, with a 121 Beyer Speed Figure, the second-highest figure in the entire probable field. He is undefeated in three career starts, all at Laurel Park, and will be significantly overlooked at the windows due to his modest connections profile. At 20/1, Taj Mahal is the single best longshot Win value in the 2026 Preakness and an automatic inclusion in every Trifecta and Superfecta ticket. |
| [LONGSHOT] Express Kid (N/A*): Justin Evans' Bodexpress colt posted a 119 Beyer finishing second in the Sunland Derby, a figure that only Crude Velocity, Silent Tactic, and Taj Mahal have bettered among the current probables. He comes from the Southwest prep route and will be almost entirely ignored at the windows. With no Future Wager odds published, this horse was a late addition identified post-Derby by DRF and Paulick Report. The speed figure demands serious respect, and the price is a massive overlay relative to his actual ability. Prime $0.10 Superfecta value -- at near-zero cost, there is no reason to leave him off your ticket. |
| [SPECULATIVE] Crude Velocity (4/1): Bob Baffert's Pat Day Mile winner carries the most explosive figure in the field, a 129 Beyer, but the critical question is whether he can get the 1 3/16 miles at Laurel Park after running one mile on Derby Day. Baffert is the all-time Preakness wins leader (8 victories) and knows exactly how to stretch a horse's distance on the Triple Crown calendar. At 4/1, the talent is undeniable -- use him in all exotic combinations, and consider a modest Win bet if you believe the distance question has been answered in his morning workouts. |
| [UNDERLAY] Golden Tempo (70/1 pre-Derby futures / unconfirmed): The Kentucky Derby winner and Triple Crown favorite -- his participation is not yet confirmed as of May 4, 2026 for the risk involved. Use him as the key anchor in your Exacta and Trifecta combinations, but redirect your straight Win budget toward Taj Mahal (20/1) and Crude Velocity (4/1), where the price genuinely reflects the winning probability. Monitor his status daily -- if he does not declare, redirect all Win budget to Crude Velocity and Taj Mahal, pass entirely on straight wagers and collect your value through the exotics. |
Preakness Day at Laurel Park is one of the highest-profile betting events in American horse racing, with total handle regularly exceeding $100 million across all pools. Here is how to navigate the day.
| Time (ET) | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM ET | Early pools open. Morning line released. Check Laurel Park's official weather and track condition report -- a sloppy or muddy track dramatically changes betting strategy. |
| 9 AM-12 PM | Supporting undercard races begin. Review final jockey assignments, equipment changes, and late scratch reports posted at Laurel Park. |
| 12-6 PM | Multi-race sequence legs begin. Pick 6, Pick 5, and Pick 4 pools open. Place your multi-race tickets before the first leg of your sequence -- you cannot add after racing starts. |
| 6-7 PM | Preakness odds firm. Last window to buy fixed-odds on BUSR or adjust Win/Exacta exposure. Final post-position data and track condition factored into late market movement. |
| 6:30 PM | Horses enter the paddock. Watch for equipment changes (blinkers, tongue ties) -- late additions are a signal from trainers about a horse's readiness heading to post. |
| 6:50 PM | Post time. Gates open. Laurel Park pari-mutuel pools close. BUSR fixed-odds positions are locked from the moment you bet. |
| 6:52 PM | Race runs in approximately 1:56. Watch live free on BUSR -- stream unlocks under your bet slip once your Preakness wager is placed. Results are official within minutes, and payouts are credited instantly. |
Q: When is the 2026 Preakness Stakes, and what time does it start?
A: The 151st Preakness Stakes runs on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. Post time is approximately 6:50 PM ET. The race moves to Laurel Park this year while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a full reconstruction. BUSR members who place a Preakness wager get free live access to the race stream directly under their bet slip. The total purse is $2 million, with $1.1 million awarded to the winner.
Q: Who is the 2026 Preakness Stakes favorite?
A: As of May 4, 2026, no official morning line exists. In the official Preakness Future Wager pool sourced from the Maryland Jockey Club (which closed May 2 before the Derby), Crude Velocity (4/1) is the top choice among confirmed Preakness targets. Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby but his participation has not been confirmed. Official morning line odds will be released after the post-position draw on Monday, May 11.
Q: How do I bet on the Preakness Stakes online?
A: Create an account at BUSR, fund it, navigate to the Laurel Park May 16 race card, select the Preakness Stakes, choose your bet type (Win, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, etc.), enter your stake, and confirm. BUSR offers both pari-mutuel tote wagering and fixed-odds win betting -- unique in the U.S. market. Minimum wagers start at $1 for straight bets and $0.10 for Superfecta combinations.
Q: What does fixed-odds betting mean for the Preakness Stakes?
A: Fixed-odds betting, available at BUSR, means your payout is guaranteed at the price displayed when you place your bet, regardless of how the tote market moves afterward. If you bet Crude Velocity at 4/1 today and he shortens to 2/1 by race day, you still collect at 4/1. This is the key advantage of betting early on a contender before the official field declaration and post-draw compress the price.
Q: What is the best bet for the Preakness Stakes?
A: For most bettors, the best risk/reward combination is a Win bet on Crude Velocity (4/1), backed by a $1 Trifecta part-wheel using Golden Tempo and Crude Velocity, and a $0.10 Superfecta box covering 4-5 horses including Taj Mahal (20/1) and Express Kid (40/1). This structure gives you meaningful upside from a non-favorite win while also capturing the most likely scenario: a mix of speed-figure horses and a fresh Derby skipper filling the top positions.
Q: What is the minimum bet for the Preakness Stakes?
A: The minimum Win/Place/Show bet at BUSR Racebook is $1. The Exacta minimum is $1. The Superfecta minimum is $0.10, making it possible to cover combinations at a low cost. Multi-race minimums (Pick 3, 4, 5, 6) range from $0.50 to $2 per combination.
Q: How do Preakness Stakes odds work?
A: Traditional Preakness wagering is pari-mutuel: all bets go into a communal pool, the track takes a cut (typically 17-20%), and the remainder is divided among winning tickets. Odds reflect how much of the pool is bet on each horse and fluctuate continuously until post time. BUSR's fixed-odds format is a sportsbook-style market where the house sets a price and guarantees that price at the time you bet.
Q: Should I bet the Derby winner in the Preakness?
A: Historically, the Kentucky Derby winner runs in the Preakness roughly 75% of the time and wins the Preakness approximately 60% of those starts. However, at a short price, the Win pool offers no meaningful value. If Golden Tempo is declared, use him as an anchor in Exacta and Trifecta tickets while directing straight Win bets to overlays like Crude Velocity (4/1) and Taj Mahal (20/1).
Q: What is the advantage of betting a horse who skipped the Kentucky Derby?
A: Fresh horses, those who bypassed the Derby to target the Preakness, win the race approximately 30% of the time historically and are almost always overlaid at the windows relative to their actual winning probability. The freshness edge is real: these horses have not run a grueling 10-furlong race in a 18-horse field two weeks prior. Silent Tactic (25/1), Talkin (50/1), and Taj Mahal (20/1) are the primary fresh-horse candidates in 2026 per the Future Wager pool.
Q: Is online Preakness Stakes betting legal in the USA?
A: BUSR is available online and on mobile. Visit BUSR to confirm availability in your area before registering.
Q: What happened in recent Preakness Stakes exacta and superfecta payouts?
A: Recent Preakness exotic payouts illustrate the race's consistent payout potential. In 2025, the $1 Exacta (Journalism/Gosger) paid $16.90, the $1 Trifecta paid $73.50, and the $1 Superfecta paid $303.40. In 2023, the $1 Superfecta paid $1,388.00. With a smaller field than the Derby, Preakness exotics are more achievable -- and still highly profitable when a fresh horse or mid-priced runner cracks the top positions.
From a $1 Win bet on Crude Velocity to a fixed-odds futures wager locked in today -- BUSR has every Preakness Stakes wager available. Odds are moving now. Do not wait for the post-position draw to act.
When is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is on Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Where can I bet on the Preakness Stakes?
At BUSR: Odds are Live!
What channel is the Preakness Stakes on?
Watch the Preakness Stakes live on TV with NBC at 5:00 pm EST
