Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo may be skipping Saturday’s Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, but the field is still full of speed, pedigree, and storylines, with many familiar names from the Derby joining as well.
Also known as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” the 151st edition of the Preakness Stakes features a 14-horse field of talented thoroughbreds who are primarily unproven at a mile and 3/16. Following the draw on Monday, Iron Honor (9-2) emerged as the favorite, followed by Taj Mahal (5-1), Incredibolt (5-1), and Chip Honcho (5-1).
With the historic Pimlico track undergoing extensive renovations, Laurel Park Racetrack is the site for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown for the first time in its 115-year history. While the weather looks favorable in Maryland on Saturday morning, here’s a closer look at conditions through the day.
Weather Forecast for the Preakness Stakes 2026
The horse field break the starting gate during race 13, the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Laurel Park. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set for 6:50 p.m. ET, and no showers are expected before that time.
Saturday will start with a few clouds and temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees, with the sun gradually coming out and temperatures continuing to rise through the day.
Temperatures will warm into the 90s in some communities by afternoon, and any showers that do pop up are expected to stay west and north of Laurel, with the forecast largely dry and not too humid through the day.
However, around 8 p.m. ET, some areas of Maryland could see a stray shower or storm, though the Preakness Stakes should be concluded by then.
If no showers arrive before 8 p.m., track conditions will likely remain unchanged. It rained at the track on Wednesday night, but conditions had cleared by Friday morning, and the forecast does not expect any changes until at least after the race is complete.
Preakness Stakes 2026 Odds
Following Monday’s draw, the field and odds are set with Iron Honor leading the way as the early betting favorite.
1: Taj Mahal (5-1)
2: Ocelli (6-1)
3: Crupper (30-1)
4: Robusta (30-1)
5: Talkin (20-1)
6: Chip Honcho (5-1)
7: The Hell We Did (15-1)
8: Bull By The Horns (30-1)
9: Iron Honor (9-2)
10: Napoleon Solo (8-1)
11: Corono De Oro (30-1)
12: Incredibolt (5-1)
13: Great White (15-1)
14: Pretty Boy Miah (15-1)
Note: Golden Tempo is skipping the Preakness Stakes to prepare for the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga.
Related: Preakness Stakes 2026: Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time and How to Watch
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
