At Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, the final serious preparations for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes began to take shape as several leading contenders completed their last major pieces of work before shipping to Laurel Park for Saturday’s Classic.
Among the most closely watched was Chip Honcho, who turned in an easy half-mile move in 50.20 seconds under exercise rider Luiyi Ortiz for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, a conditioner who knows exactly what it takes to win the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.
Asmussen, whose decorated career includes Preakness victories with Curlin in 2007 and Rachel Alexandra in 2009, appeared quietly optimistic after the work. The trainer revealed that Chip Honcho’s most demanding preparation had already come on Kentucky Derby morning when the colt covered five furlongs in a sharp minute flat.
The son of Connect is scheduled to arrive at Laurel Park on Monday, with Asmussen hopeful that a favourable post position can aid the colt’s chances.
Chip Honcho has already shown how significantly the draw can influence his performances. He won from low posts at both Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, while his difficult outing in the Lecomte Stakes came after breaking awkwardly from the far outside gate. His strongest effort arguably arrived in the Risen Star Stakes, where he set the pace before narrowly giving way late to the talented Paladin, while finishing comfortably ahead of eventual Kentucky Derby hero Golden Tempo.
Connections deliberately bypassed the Kentucky Derby following a disappointing run in the Louisiana Derby, instead targeting the Preakness with fresher legs and renewed confidence. Kentucky Derby-winning rider Jose Ortiz has been booked for the mount.
Laurel Park itself presents a slightly unusual challenge this year as the Preakness temporarily relocates from the redeveloping Pimlico Race Course. Saturday’s race will finish at the first wire, shortening the stretch and potentially favouring horses positioned prominently turning for home.
Another major contender attracting attention is Iron Honor from the barn of five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown. Brown already owns two Preakness victories and believes the colt deserves another opportunity after a troubled journey in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
Iron Honor, a son of Nyquist, worked four furlongs in 48 seconds at Belmont Park before Brown confirmed an important tactical adjustment. Blinkers will be removed for the first time in an effort to help the colt settle more effectively during the early stages.
Brown indicated that a middle-to-inside draw would suit his runner best, particularly in what is expected to be a full field of 14 runners.
Locally based trainer Brittany Russell continues to enjoy growing confidence with undefeated colt Taj Mahal, who remains one of the most intriguing stories heading into the Preakness Stakes 2026. The colt emerged from another bullet workout in excellent condition and displayed plenty of energy during Sunday morning exercise at Laurel.
Russell, preparing her first Triple Crown runner, described Taj Mahal as a “good-feeling boy” after the colt became playful on the track following his latest five-furlong drill in 1:00.20. The son of strong local form has won all three career starts at Laurel Park, including an emphatic Federico Tesio Stakes victory that secured automatic entry into the Preakness field.
His likely front-running style could make him especially dangerous over Laurel’s altered configuration.
Further intrigue surrounds Ocelli, the maiden colt who produced one of the most remarkable efforts in this year’s Kentucky Derby when finishing third behind Golden Tempo despite still seeking his first career victory. Trainer Whit Beckman reported the colt had trained strongly at Churchill Downs before shipping to Maryland.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione believes Ocelli has every right to compete at the highest level despite the unusual statistic hanging over him. No maiden has captured the Preakness since Refund achieved the feat in 1888, yet the colt’s late Derby surge suggested he belongs among this generation’s elite performers.
Elsewhere, trainer Doug O’Neill is hoping Robusta can rebound from a difficult Kentucky Derby assignment after being marooned in the outside gate. The colt, owned by Calumet Farm, will be ridden by veteran jockey Rafael Bejarano at Laurel Park.
Todd Fincher’s The Hell We Did also remains firmly in contention after overcoming interruptions during a chaotic final workout at Laurel, while Corona de Oro has reportedly trained with enthusiasm for veteran conditioner Dallas Stewart.
Among the possible outsiders, Napoleon Solo, Bull by the Horns and Pretty Boy Miah continue their preparations, with entries and post positions scheduled to be finalised on Monday evening.
With Kentucky Derby runners returning, unbeaten local hopefuls emerging and several trainers searching for Triple Crown glory, the 151st Preakness Stakes is shaping into one of the most open renewals in recent years. The temporary move to Laurel Park only adds another layer of uncertainty to a race already rich in tactical intrigue.
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