Study Guide: 2026 Preakness Stakes | News - Kentucky Derby
Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby (G1), Laurel Park in Maryland is hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown: Saturday’s Preakness (G1).
www.kentuckyderby.comHere are the latest notable updates on the 2026 Preakness Stakes as of May 2026:
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Location and format: For the first time, the 151st Preakness Stakes was moved from Pimlico to Laurel Park in Maryland due to Pimlico’s redevelopment. This is a historic shift for the race and affects post positions, track layout, and viewing logistics.[4][7]
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Field and favorites: The Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not compete in the Preakness, with connections opting to target the Belmont Stakes instead, creating a more open and wide-ranging betting market at Laurel Park. Several contenders remained in the mix, including Iron Honor and other Derby remenants as potential runners.[2][3][4]
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Broadcast and timing: The event was positioned as a prime-time racing spectacle with NBC/Peacock coverage, emphasizing the shift to Laurel Park while the Pimlico project proceeds. This aligns with 2026 media plans for showcasing the race and its new venue.[6][2]
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Pre-race analysis and odds: Multiple outlets published live odds, expert picks, and betting tips as the field was finalized, noting that the absence of Golden Tempo opened the door for longer-priced challengers. Fans could follow live updates on odds and post-time through national outlets and racing sites.[9][10][2]
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Historical notes: The 2026 Preakness marked the 151st running of the race and continued the Triple Crown narrative, albeit at a different venue, which is a notable footnote in Preakness history.[4]
If you’d like, I can pull together a concise, sourced summary of the current field, post times, and odds from 1-2 reliable outlets, and I can also create a quick chart comparing pre-race odds for the top contenders. Would you prefer a plain-text overview or a small table with the latest odds and trainers?