Preakness Moves to Laurel: Full Card Picks and Expert Analysis for Saturday’s Classic

Saturday's 2026 Preakness Stakes moves to Laurel Park for the first time since 1908, with the $2 million Grade 1 event running as the 13th race at 7:01 p.m. Eastern. The temporary relocation from Pimlico due to construction creates a wide-open field of 14 horses now that Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo has passed on the second leg of the Triple Crown. Daily Racing Form's Patrick Moquin provides comprehensive picks across all nine black-type races on the card.

The Preakness Stakes: A Relatively Weak Group Provides Opportunity

Moquin tabs Taj Mahal (33) as his top pick for the Preakness. The undefeated colt has largely feasted on Maryland competition throughout his early career, but his recent performance in the $150,000 Federico Tesio was eye-catching—he rolled to an 8 1/4-length victory from the far outside post with an impressive 92 Beyer Speed Figure, demonstrating clear room for improvement. While the rail post isn't ideal, Taj Mahal has the tactical speed to handle early pressure and shows significant upside against what appears to be a relatively weak group compared to past Triple Crown fields.

Incredibolt (33) gets the second-choice nod. Trainer Riley Mott clearly sees opportunity in this spot after the colt won the one-turn Virginia Derby. His sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby provides some concern, but his closing ability suggests he could be flying at the finish if he has enough stretch remaining.

Iron Honor (34) rounds out Moquin's triumvirate. The Chad Brown trainee disappointed in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, but his earlier performance in the Grade 3 Gotham at a mile suggests the longer distance in that race, rather than any fundamental limitation, was the problem. Brown's decision to remove blinkers for this start represents his most popular Triple Crown adjustment, potentially unlocking better performances.

The Supporting Card: Jean Valjean Headlines Other Races

Moquin's best bet on the day comes in the 12th race: Jean Valjean (42). The gelding ran deceptively well in the $100,000 King T. Leatherbury despite fading to seventh after the physical toll of a 17-month layoff caught up with him in the stretch. He immediately returned in a May 1 allowance and bounced back impressively, winning by 2 1/2 lengths with a 92 Beyer. Trainer Merryman's confidence in bringing him back so quickly suggests he has regained his previous form, and he could very well be the play at generous odds.

Outlaw Kid (46) captured the Leatherbury itself, snapping a lengthy losing streak while reestablishing his affinity for Laurel's turf surface. The Weaver trainee's versatility around the track gives him an edge in what shapes up as a competitive field.

Racing Action Across All Nine Black-Type Races

The opening race features Epic Style, who recently shipped to Laurel and ran powerfully from off the pace in a second-level allowance at the local circuit, earning an 87 Beyer. The addition of Jose Ortiz in the irons suggests trainer Stidham is confident in the filly's ability to handle this level.

Blue Kingdom (39) enters the second race off a decisive allowance victory at 1 1/16 miles. While the distance may have played to his strengths, trainer Ness will cut him back to six furlongs here against a tougher group—a move that could test whether he's genuinely advanced or was simply superior to his most recent competition.

The turf racing gets underway in race three, where Naabaahii gets a surface change for Russell. The sire Liam's Map has produced several turf standouts like Deterministic (36), and the dam Quargent, by War Front, began her career in Europe with a strong turf pedigree, making this switch particularly promising. Jose Ortiz returns as jockey for the third winning effort in the last five starts for this trainer-jockey combination.

Mid-Card Drama and Maiden Races

Passage East takes a step up after having her three-race winning streak snapped in a $100,000 stakes at Colonial. McMahon showed concern about the race selection in hindsight, but Passage East was coming off a dominant $200,000 Barbara Fritchie where she matched that 93 Beyer in defeat. She commands respect right back in this spot.

In the maiden ranks, Sassari made an impressive debut at Laurel, winning by 4 3/4 lengths while never trailing. Her 68 Beyer suggests room to improve, and she appears positioned well for her second career start against a group at her level.

Image Credits

Featured Image Credit

The Winner's Circle and Old Clubhouse lined with Black-Eyed Susans on Preakness Day, May 20, 2023. via Wikimedia Commons by JoeSchilp with usage type - Creative Commons License

 

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