The shape of this year’s middle jewel is beginning to emerge, with several connections weighing their options following a demanding Kentucky Derby that has already left its mark on the three-year-old division.
Among the most intriguing possibles is Ocelli, whose unexpected third-place finish in the Derby has prompted a rethink from trainer Whit Beckman. Only days after suggesting a run in the Preakness Stakes was highly unlikely, Beckman has softened his stance, citing the colt’s remarkable recovery and attitude.
Ocelli, who lined up at Churchill Downs still seeking a first victory, outran expectations in a field of 18, briefly threatening to land a famous success before being worn down late. His effort has elevated him from outsider to a genuine talking point as attention turns to Laurel Park on May 16.
Beckman has been encouraged not only by the performance itself but by how the colt has come out of the race. In his words, the horse has shown unusual resilience, returning to routine quickly and displaying the same appetite for work that convinced the stable to take a chance on Derby day.
There is also a tactical angle. A strong early pace, similar to what unfolded in the Derby, could again play to Ocelli’s strengths as a closer. That possibility, combined with his apparent wellbeing, has brought the Preakness firmly into consideration.
Elsewhere, Derby winner Golden Tempo continues to please connections in the days following his breakthrough victory. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has indicated that the colt will ease back into training with light exercise before any firm decision is made. While the historical pull of the Triple Crown remains strong, the emphasis from the yard is squarely on the horse’s condition rather than external expectation.
The Hell We Did is already on site at Laurel Park and appears to have settled well into his new surroundings. Trainer Todd Fincher has reported steady progress since the colt’s arrival from Kentucky, with a final workout planned before race day. His recent form, including a runner-up finish in the Lexington Stakes, suggests he could be a lively presence in the field.
Corona de Oro is another under consideration after missing out on a Derby start despite being on the cusp of the field. Trainer Dallas Stewart is taking a measured approach, with another piece of work scheduled before a final call is made. The colt has shown steady development this spring and remains a contender should connections opt to proceed.
Among those firmly targeting the race is Chip Honcho, who has trained forwardly since bypassing the Derby. His latest workout was among the sharpest recorded at the distance, and his previous meetings with Golden Tempo provide a useful line of form heading into the contest.
Beyond the individual stories, a broader narrative has emerged around the influence of Curlin as a sire. The Derby result, which featured multiple runners from his line, underlined his growing legacy and added another layer of intrigue to the current crop of three-year-olds.
As ever, the Preakness Stakes brings together horses at different stages of development, some arriving battle-hardened from Louisville, others fresher but less exposed. With decisions still to be made in several camps, the final field remains fluid, but the early signs point to a competitive and tactically fascinating renewal.
The coming days will therefore be crucial in shaping the final picture, with workouts, recovery patterns and trainer assessments likely to decide which Preakness Stakes 2026 contenders take their place in the starting gate. For Ocelli, the question is whether his Derby effort was the beginning of a genuine breakout or simply a brave run on a demanding stage. For Golden Tempo, the focus will be on whether connections choose to chase the next step in a possible Triple Crown journey. Either way, the Preakness Stakes is already building into a race full of storylines, uncertainty and genuine competitive depth.
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