Preakness 2026: Contenders update ahead of Monday's draw

Key Points:

• Pretty Boy Miah secured the 14th and final spot in the Preakness 2026 field after Express Kid and Smoovin withdrew, with entries closing Monday for the May 16 race at Laurel Park, marking the first time the Preakness is run at Laurel due to Pimlico renovations.
• The 151st Preakness will be contested over 1 3/16 miles with a shorter stretch run of 1,089 feet, and notable storylines include Ocelli aiming to be the first maiden winner since 1888, Brittany Russell seeking a historic win as a female trainer with Taj Mahal, and John Velazquez potentially becoming the oldest Preakness-winning jockey.
• Key contenders include Chip Honcho, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by José Ortiz; Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown who plans equipment changes; undefeated Taj Mahal with Brittany Russell training and Sheldon Russell riding; and Ocelli, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby and is ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.
• Other notable entries are Robusta, shipping from Keeneland with trainer Doug O'Neill optimistic despite a 14th-place Derby finish; The Hell We Did recovering from a disrupted workout; Corona de Oro with John Velazquez aboard; and Napoleon Solo, targeting the Preakness after a disrupted Derby prep.
• Additional horses preparing for the Preakness include Bull By The Horns, Pretty Boy Miah, Talkin, and Crupper, all showing positive training progress as they head to Laurel Park for the May 16 race.