The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be an exciting race with a field of 14 horses, the largest in 15 years. This year's event holds particular interest as it presents an opportunity for another female trainer to make history, following Cherie DeVaux's groundbreaking win at the Kentucky Derby.
One of the key contenders is Iron Honor, the morning-line favorite with 9-2 odds. Trained by Chad Brown, who has already secured two Preakness victories, Iron Honor is a bay colt with a strong record, having won the Gotham Stakes in February. However, his performance in the Wood Memorial Stakes last month was less impressive, finishing seventh. Despite this, jockey Flavien Prat, who has ridden in the Preakness three times before, will be aboard Iron Honor, aiming for his first win in the race.
Another horse to watch is Taj Mahal, trained by Brittany Russell. Russell has the chance to become the first female trainer to win the Preakness, following DeVaux's Derby success. Taj Mahal is undefeated at his home track of Laurel Park and will be ridden by Sheldon Russell, the trainer's husband. Starting from the No. 1 post position, the bay colt will face the challenge of being boxed in early on, but the trainer remains optimistic.
Chip Honcho, another contender, skipped the Derby to focus on the Preakness. Trained by Steve Asmussen, who has had two previous winners, Chip Honcho will be ridden by Jose Ortiz, who was aboard Golden Tempo for his Derby victory. This horse has had some success at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, winning the Gun Runner Stakes and placing second in the Risen Star Stakes.
Incredibolt, trained by Riley Mott, is also a notable contender. Mott's father, Bill Mott, has trained two horses for the Preakness previously. Incredibolt will be ridden by Jaime Torres, aiming for his second Preakness win. This dark bay colt has had mixed results, winning the Virginia Derby in March but finishing last in the Holy Bull Stakes in Florida.
The Preakness Stakes is not just about the horses; it's also about the people behind them. The potential for a second female trainer to make history in such a short time is a testament to the growing diversity and talent in the sport. The race also highlights the strategic decisions trainers make, such as Asmussen's choice to bypass the Derby with Chip Honcho, and the impact of jockeys like Ortiz, who has a proven track record of success.
As we look ahead to the race, it's clear that the 2026 Preakness Stakes will be a thrilling event, not just for the horses and their connections but also for the fans and enthusiasts who follow this prestigious series. Personally, I think the story behind each horse and trainer adds an extra layer of intrigue to the race, making it more than just a competition but a celebration of skill, strategy, and the human-horse connection.
