Preakness Stakes 2026 at Laurel Park is beginning to take centre stage as preparations intensify for the 151st running of the $2 million classic, with leading contenders steadily advancing through their final stages of work ahead of the prestigious American contest.Silent Tactic remains a key talking point as connections continue to evaluate his condition before confirming participation, with careful attention being paid to his recent training progress and overall fitness ahead of the assignment.
Among them, Silent Tactic remains a central figure in the conversation, with connections closely monitoring his condition ahead of a decisive late-stage call on participation.
Silent Tactic, trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Mark Casse, is poised for a trip to Maryland, with the colt scheduled to ship to Laurel Park on Tuesday. Casse, speaking on Sunday, expressed cautious confidence regarding the colt’s participation while noting that a final decision would follow a key training evaluation.
Owned by John Oxley, Silent Tactic has recorded one victory from four starts this season, along with three runner-up finishes, underlining both his consistency and competitiveness at a high level.
The colt was previously withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby due to a bruised left front foot, an issue described as minor but significant enough to require careful management. Since then, his training regimen has been adjusted with protective measures, including a full pad and later a switch to glue-on shoes designed to improve comfort and stability during preparation.
Casse explained that the team has been deliberate in managing the issue, prioritising long-term soundness while keeping the colt on target for elite-level competition. The trainer noted that the horse has been working in specialised equipment to protect the affected foot, though such gear would not be used in a race setting due to traction considerations.
Silent Tactic is expected to be partnered by Irad Ortiz Jr., who previously guided Renegade to victory over him in the Arkansas Derby on March 28, a race that offered further evidence of the colt’s ability to compete at the highest grade.
The draw for the Preakness field is scheduled to take place Monday afternoon at Laurel Park, a key moment that will finalise post positions ahead of Saturday’s classic.
Another notable arrival on Sunday was Napoleon Solo, the Champagne Stakes winner, who joined the growing list of contenders at Laurel Park after shipping in from New York.
Trained by Chad Summers and owned by Gold Square LLC, Napoleon Solo made a strong impression as a juvenile when securing top-level success in the Champagne Stakes. Since returning this year, however, his form has included a fifth-place finish in both the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
Despite those results, his connections remain encouraged by his progress, particularly his recent work pattern. The grey colt has posted four workouts since early April, including a sharp six-furlong move recorded in 1:10 on May 2, suggesting he is building fitness at the right stage of the campaign.
Napoleon Solo is expected to take to the track on Monday morning as he completes his final adjustments ahead of the Preakness assignment, where he will attempt to recapture the form that marked him as one of last season’s leading performers.
As the build-up continues, attention remains firmly fixed on the developing field, with final declarations and post positions set to shape expectations for one of the season’s most anticipated contests.
Trackside observers are now closely monitoring final gallops at Laurel Park, where conditions and rhythm in training are expected to play a decisive role. Connections are keen to ensure both fitness and comfort are fully aligned ahead of the demanding Preakness challenge, while also carefully assessing recovery and stride stability.Final preparations continue quietly as anticipation builds across racing circles