Today’s Preakness Stakes is the next race in the Triple Crown series. Unfortunately, there will not be a quest for the Triple Crown as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is not racing in the event.
There is still plenty of touted horses heading into the Preakness. Fans can expect today’s race to start at 7:01 p.m. Eastern (also known as the post time) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, on NBC. The Preakness’ television coverage begins at 4 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
With Golden Tempo skipping the event, some of the top contenders include Taj Mahal, Ocelli and Chip Honcho among others. Pending any additional scratches, 14 horses are expected to compete at the Preakness.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes Horses & Post Positions for 2026
Here’s a look at the full list of horses expected to run at the Preakness along with their post positions and odds, per NBC Sports.
| POST POSITION | HORSE | ODDS |
| 1. | Taj Mahal | 5/1 |
| 2. | Ocelli | 6/1 |
| 3. | Crupper | 30/1 |
| 4. | Robusta | 30/1 |
| 5. | Talkin | 20/1 |
| 6. | Chip Honcho | 5/1 |
| 7. | The Hell We Did | 15/1 |
| 8. | Bull by the Horns | 30/1 |
| 9. | Iron Honor | 9/2 |
| 10. | Napoleon Solo | 8/1 |
| 11. | Corona De Oro | 30/1 |
| 12. | Incredibolt | 5/1 |
| 13. | Great White | 15/1 |
| 14. | Pretty Boy Miah | 15/1 |
Will Bob Baffert Have a Horse at the Preakness?
Famed trainer Bob Baffert will not have a horse competing in today’s Preakenss after being well represented at the Kentucky Derby. Baffert opted to have Crude Velocity skip the Preakness with a focus on the Belmont instead.
“He could probably make the race, but it would be asking a lot for him,” Baffert noted on At The Races with Steve Byk, per Yahoo Sports.
Why Is the Preakness Not at Pimlico?
Fans tuning into the Preakness may be surprised to learn that the race will not be at Pimlico. The move is not permanent, but the Preakness is temporarily being held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland.
Pimlico is in the midst of a major renovation which prompted the move to Laurel Park.
“Through this multi-year transformational project, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premiere sports tourism destination,” Chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority Craig A. Thompson explained in a July 23, 2025, press release.
The statement also revealed that the 2027 Preakness is expected to return to Pimlico.
Why Is Golden Tempo Not Racing at the Preakness?
The buzz surrounding the Preakness admittedly took a hit with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo not entering the race. On May 6, Golden Tempo’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, announced that the horse would not be competing at the Preakness, ending the chances of a Triple Crown winner in 2026.
The team indicated that the goal is for Golden Tempo to compete again at the Belmont on June 6.
“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” DeVaux said in a statement posted to Instagram. “His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority.
“We are looking forward to pointing him toward the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse.”
Preakness Stakes on TV Today: Start Time, Updated Post Positions & Horse List