The Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, held at Laurel Park in 2026 due to Pimlico's redevelopment, with a $2 million purse. The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a Grade 2 race for three-year-old fillies, also moves to Laurel Park with a $300,000 purse. Contenders are selected based on performance, and advance wagering opens May 14, 2026, allowing bets before race day with odds subject to change until wagering closes.
What Is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 Thoroughbred horse race traditionally held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.
For 2026, the race is being held at Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes redevelopment.
- Eligible Horses: Three-year-old Thoroughbreds
- Distance: 1 3/16 miles (dirt)
- Purse: $2 million
- Schedule: Preakness Saturday
- Race Number: Race 13 (subject to change)
What Is the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes?
The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is a Grade 2 race for three-year-old fillies traditionally held on Friday of Preakness week. It serves as the featured event of Black-Eyed Susan Day and is one of the premier races for fillies during the spring racing season.
For 2026, the race is also being conducted at Laurel Park.
- Eligible Horses: Three-year-old fillies
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (dirt)
- Purse: $300,000
- Scheduled Post Time: Approximately 6:14 PM ET (subject to change)
What Are Contenders?
Contenders are horses identified as likely strong performers in a specific race based on factors such as:
- Recent race performance and class level
- Speed figures and pace profiles
- Trainer and jockey statistics
- Track conditions and distance suitability
Contender lists are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee race outcomes.
2026 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes Contenders
The following fillies are among the expected contenders for the 2026 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes based on current entries and recent performances:
| Horse | Notes |
|---|---|
| Miss Fulton Gal | Winner of the Beyond the Wire Stakes |
| Ivy Girl | Winner of the Weber City Miss Stakes |
| Holly’s Holiday | Trained by Kenneth McPeek |
| Savor It | Stakes competitor entering in good form |
| Braken Poppa | Enters on a four-race winning streak |
| Haute Diva | Competitive stakes runner |
| Jumping the Gun | Local prep contender |
| Majestic Lucia | Consistent performer |
| A. P.’s Girl | Competitive in prep races |
| My Miss Mo | Strong connections entering the race |
Black-Eyed Susan Odds
Morning-line odds for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes may not be finalized until closer to race day and are subject to change based on wagering activity, scratches, and post positions.
2026 Preakness Stakes Contenders & Odds
The 2026 Preakness Stakes field is expected to feature a competitive group of three-year-olds after Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo elected to skip the race.
| Horse | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | 7/2 |
| Silent Tactic* | 4/1 |
| Ocelli | 5/1 |
| Chip Honcho | 11/2 |
| Iron Honor | 10/1 |
| Napoleon Solo | 11/1 |
| Great White | 16/1 |
| Robusta | 16/1 |
| Talkin | 20/1 |
| Express Kid | 22/1 |
| Ottinho | 25/1 |
| The Hell We Did | 25/1 |
| Pretty Boy Miah | 25/1 |
| Corona de Oro | 25/1 |
| Crupper | 40/1 |
*Contender participation may change due to scratches or trainer decisions. Odds are subject to change until wagering closes.
What Is Advance Wagering?
Advance wagering allows customers to place wagers on select races before race day. During Preakness week, advance wagering may be available for:
- The Preakness Stakes Available Starting Thursday May 14, 2026
- The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes Starting Thursday May 14, 2026
- Select multi-race wagers and doubles
How to Place a Preakness Advance Wager
- Log in to your wagering account.
- Select “Preakness Saturday Advance.”
- Navigate to the Preakness race using the Race dropdown menu.
- Choose your wager type and base amount.
- Select your runners by clicking the circle next to each horse.
- Review your wager and submit.
Common Advance Wagering Options
Advance wagering menus may include:
- Adv Black-Eyed Susan / Preakness Double
- Adv Laurel Dirt Pick 5
- Adv Laurel Stakes Pick 5
- Laurel Friday Advance
- Laurel Park
- Preakness Saturday Advance
Wager offerings may change at any time.
Can Odds Change After I Place an Advance Wager?
Yes. Advance wagers are placed into the pari-mutuel pool. Final odds are not determined until wagering closes.
What Happens If a Horse Scratches?
Scratches are handled according to standard wagering rules and may result in:
- Refunds for certain single-horse wagers, or
- Substitution of a post-time favorite in multi-horse wagers
Rules vary by wager type and jurisdiction.