Preakness Stakes 2026 Picks, Odds, Horses & Betting Guide

The 2026 Preakness Stakes takes place at Laurel Park, May 16, 2026.

The Preakness Stakes, known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” is one of the most iconic horse races in the United States. Held annually on the third Saturday in May, the Preakness represents the thrilling middle leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

A field of the top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds
A high-energy crowd packed into historic Laurel Park
A $2 million purse
1 3/16-mile race

The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park, marking the second leg of the Triple Crown. With Kentucky Derby contenders returning and new shooters entering the field, it’s one of the most unpredictable — and exciting — betting races of the year. New to the Preakness? Don’t worry — we’ve got everything you need to get started right here!

Last year’s Preakness Stakes picks paid out over $3,200!

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Past Results

Preakness Stakes 2026 Betting Bible

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The Racing Dudes’ 2026 Preakness Stakes Betting Bible gave bettors a complete roadmap for one of the toughest handicapping races we’ve ever seen at Laurel Park—including race-by-race wagering strategies, exact bet structures, multi-race tickets, pace projections, AI Top 4 picks, and expert selections from Jon White.

Let’s be real—this year’s Preakness was chaos on paper. But that’s the game.

What matters is the process, the structure, and the edge you bring to every race on the card. This guide shows exactly how we approached one of the hardest races to handicap all year—wins, losses, and everything in between.

No hiding. No fluff. Just the real plays.

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Got questions about the Preakness Stakes? Check out our FAQs and get everything you need to make your Preakness experience unforgettable!

When is the 2026 Preakness Stakes?

The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park. This year’s race marks the 151st running of the Preakness.

Note: The race is being held at Laurel Park instead of its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course, due to ongoing renovations.

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What is the Preakness Stakes and why is it important?

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Laurel Park in 2026.

It’s important because it determines whether a horse can continue a Triple Crown bid, while also attracting a mix of Derby runners and fresh challengers — making it one of the most exciting and unpredictable races of the year.

Who are the top contenders for the 2026 Preakness Stakes?

The top contenders are expected to include Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, runner-up Renegade, and other key Derby horses — plus fresh shooters targeting the second leg of the Triple Crown. Historically, 7 of the last 10 Kentucky Derby winners have gone on to run in the Preakness, though participation varies year to year.

See the full early contenders breakdown here.

How can I bet on the Preakness Stakes?

You can place bets on the Preakness Stakes through licensed racetracks, betting windows at Laurel Park, online wagering platforms such a TwinSpires, and approved mobile apps. Options range from simple win, place, and show bets to exotics like exactas, trifectas, and multi-race wagers. Be sure to use trusted, legal betting providers and always wager responsibly.

When do Preakness Stakes odds come out?

Early Preakness Stakes odds typically appear shortly after the Kentucky Derby, with the official morning line released a few days before the race once the final field is set at Laurel Park.

When is post time for the 2026 Preakness Stakes?

Post time for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is expected to be around 6:50 PM ET at Laurel Park.

Where can I watch the Preakness Stakes?

You can watch the Preakness Stakes live on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.

Coverage typically begins earlier in the afternoon before the main race broadcast.

How much is the Preakness Stakes purse in 2026?

The purse for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is $2 million, making it one of the richest races for 3-year-olds in the country.

How much money does the Preakness Stakes winner take home?

The winner receives $1.2 million (with the jockey earning a percentage of those winnings), second place gets $400,000, third place $200,000, fourth $120,000, and fifth $80,000.

How many fans attend the Preakness Stakes?

Attendance for the Preakness Stakes can vary widely depending on the venue. In 2026 at Laurel Park, only 4,800 two-day tickets are being allotted due to the temporary relocation.

For comparison, the event drew around 63,000 fans over the weekend at Pimlico Race Course last year, while peak attendance reached over 190,000 in 2017.

How do horses qualify to run in the Preakness Stakes?

Horses qualify for the Preakness Stakes—exclusively for three-year-old Thoroughbreds—primarily through career earnings and performance in specific automatic-entry races. Unlike the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness does not use a points-based qualification system.

How many horses can run in the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes field is limited to a maximum of 14 horses, though the actual number of starters is often smaller.

Who won the last Preakness Stakes?

Journalism, a bay colt trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, won the 2025 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. He finished ahead of Gosger, with Sandman, Goal Oriented, and Heart of Honor rounding out the top five. Journalism entered the race off a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby and delivered a powerful late rally to win the second leg of the Triple Crown.

2025 Preakness Stakes Recap

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