A Renewed Field for the Preakness
At 0h02, on May 13, 2026 • By Laurent Sauvé
The legendary Pimlico Race Course is entering a new era. After more than 150 years of history and unforgettable moments, the iconic Baltimore racetrack is currently undergoing a massive demolition and reconstruction project aimed at completely modernizing the facilities. The opening of the new complex is scheduled for 2027.
The second jewel of the Triple Crown therefore returns to Laurel Park for the historic 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, featuring some of the finest Thoroughbreds in the world competing for the Woodlawn Vase, one of the most prestigious and valuable trophies in North American sports.
With only three horses returning from the Kentucky Derby, the complexion of this year’s Preakness Stakes will look quite different. Nevertheless, the race still promises to be highly competitive, as 14 horses are expected to line up at the starting gate.
Much of the attention could be focused on Iron Honor, winner of the Gotham Stakes last February, but who finished seventh in April’s Wood Memorial. Purchased for $475,000 as a yearling, he will be making just the fourth start of his career for trainer Chad Brown, who captured the Preakness in 2017 and 2022.
A late addition to the Preakness, Incredibolt won the Virginia Derby before finishing a very respectable sixth in the Kentucky Derby. He will be ridden by Jaime Torres, who won the Preakness in 2024 aboard Seize The Grey.
Still searching for his first career victory, Ocelli, purchased for $12,000, must be taken seriously following third-place finishes in the Wood Memorial at odds of 28-1 and in the Kentucky Derby at 70-1.
The other Kentucky Derby participant is Robusta, who finished 14th in the May 2 classic after placing seventh in the Santa Anita Derby and second in the San Felipe Stakes.
First post for Saturday’s 14-race card is set for 10:30 a.m., while the Preakness Stakes will headline as Race 13, scheduled for 7:01 p.m.
