The 151st Preakness Stakes, the prestigious second jewel of the Triple Crown, is just a week away. Excitement is mounting with the post positions for the contenders to be unveiled soon, setting the stage for one of horse racing’s most anticipated events.
Fourteen of the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds will compete over a challenging 1 3/16-mile course, each striving to etch their names into racing history. Due to ongoing renovations at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, this year’s event will take place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, preserving the race’s rich tradition in a new setting.
Triple Crown hopes for 2026 were crushed when Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness. Trainer Cherie DeVaux underscored that the colt’s health and recovery come first, prioritizing his long-term well-being and said that their focus will be on the Belmont Stakes in June.
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Even without Golden Tempo, the field remains highly competitive. Crude Velocity enters as the early favorite, having extended his unbeaten streak to three with a victory in the Pat Day Mile on Derby weekend. Chip Honcho, trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, also stands out as a top contender. He bypassed the Kentucky Derby to target the Preakness and arrives fresh for this marquee race.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Preakness Stakes.
When is 2026 Preakness Stakes post position draw?
The post position draw for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is set for Monday, May 11, at 5 p.m. ET. This event will establish the starting gate assignments for the 14 horses competing.
How to watch 2026 Preakness Stakes post position draw
The 2026 Preakness Stakes post position draw will be streamed on Preakness.com and the official Preakness Stakes YouTube channel.
When is 2026 Preakness Stakes?
The 151st Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. Fans can watch the Preakness Stakes on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Time: Approx. 6:50 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC, USA Network
- Stream: Peacock
- Location: Laurel Park (Laurel, Maryland)
2026 Preakness Stakes contenders and early odds
Odds via CBS Sports.
- Crude Velocity | early odds: 4-1
- Iron Honor | early odds: 19-1
- Taj Mahal | early odds: 20-1
- Cherokee Nation | early odds: 22-1
- Silent Tactic | early odds: 25-1
- Chip Honcho | early odds: 25-1
- Napoleon Solo | early odds: 40-1
- Talkin | early odds: 50-1
- The Hell We Did | early odds: 50-1
- Talk To Me Jimmy | early odds: 50-1
- Great White | early odds: 90-1
- Crupper | early odds: 99-1
- Express Kid | early odds: ---
- Pretty Boy Miah | early odds: ---
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Preakness Stakes: Date, time and everything to know about the second jewel
