Trainer Danny Gargan, who broke through at the highest level with Dornoch in the 2024 Belmont Stakes, is preparing another contender for the American Classics as Talkin is lined up for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16.
Preakness Stakes 2026 contenders
Talkin arrives off a credible third-place finish in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 4, a race dominated by Further Ado. The son of Good Magic showed determination despite being held along the rail for much of the contest, only finding daylight when the race had effectively slipped away.
Gargan, speaking from his South Florida base as he prepared to move his string north, made it clear that the decision to bypass the Kentucky Derby had long been part of the plan.
“The Preakness is the kind of race that fits him,” Gargan explained. “He’s not a big, heavy horse and I don’t want to do too much with him. The Derby can be overwhelming — a big field, a lot of traffic. I’ve been there before.”
Instead, the focus remains firmly on the more compact field and slightly shorter distance of the Preakness, run over 1 3/16 miles. Gargan believes those conditions could allow Talkin to settle comfortably just off the pace and deliver a stronger finish.
“He should get a better trip,” Gargan added. “If we can sit third or fourth instead of being stuck inside, he’ll have a real chance to show what he can do. I’d love to win the Preakness.”
A $600,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland, Talkin races in partnership colours for a group that includes Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and R.A. Hill Stable. Like Gargan’s previous Classic winner, he is by Good Magic, a sire whose progeny have continued to thrive in elite company.
The colt is expected to remain at Keeneland for his final preparations before shipping to Maryland. Joel Rosario, who partnered him in the Blue Grass, is likely to retain the ride, with Kendrick Carmouche named as a possible alternative.
Gargan is also planning a broader assault on the Laurel card, with Grade 1-placed filly Snowyte pencilled in for the Allaire Dupont Distaff, while Golden Tornado — a leading juvenile from last season — may return in the Sir Barton Stakes.
Elsewhere on the trail, the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland has once again thrown up a possible Preakness contender. While winner Trendsetter will not be supplemented for the Triple Crown series, runner-up The Hell We Did remains under consideration.
Trainer Todd Fincher indicated that the Preakness had been part of the colt’s longer-term plan, even before his encouraging effort in the Lexington. Having previously raced over shorter distances, The Hell We Did adapted well to the step up in trip and showed natural speed to remain competitive throughout.
“He should improve from here,” Fincher said. “We’ll talk it over with the owners and decide. The next time he goes two turns, he should be even better.”
Historically, the Lexington Stakes has served as a reliable stepping stone to the Preakness, producing notable performers in recent years. With five weeks between the races, connections often see it as an ideal platform for late-developing contenders.
For Gargan and Talkin, however, the path has been more deliberate — one designed to give the colt the best possible opportunity to compete on the biggest stage without being overexposed too early.
If the plan comes together, Talkin could provide his trainer with another defining moment in racing’s most prestigious series.
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