Taj Mahal, running for trainer Brittany Russell, enters the Preakness Stakes off the back of an authoritative 8 1/4-length romp in the April 18 Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. The son of Nyquist earned an automatic berth to the Preakness with that victory and remains a perfect three-for-three at Laurel. Notably, he is the only horse in the field to have both raced and won at the Maryland track.
“I think it could be a major advantage,” Russell said during a recent media teleconference hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “All the tracks play differently, and just the fact that he trains over the surface every day, he gets to run right in his backyard.”
In the Tesio, Taj Mahal showcased both raw speed and tactical resilience. After building a massive ten-length lead through the first half-mile, he allowed the pack to close in on him during the final turn, only to find another gear and pull away convincingly.
“I was questioning a few things when they kind of came back at him,” Russell admitted. “But [jockey] Sheldon [Russell] gave him a breather because he seemed to know what was underneath him. For us to move on to the Preakness, that’s how you want to see a horse do it, in a dominating effort.”
Despite his current form, Russell revealed that the colt wasn't an instant standout after arriving from Bob Baffert’s barn. The colt worked for Baffert 17 times in Southern California between April and September of 2025, then got some time off before arriving in Russell’s barn in December.
“Honestly, when he showed up, it took some time for him to come around,” Russell said. “I can’t say the first time I worked him that I thought he would be a star. But he has developed and progressed.”
This year’s Preakness offers a unique set of circumstances, including the use of the Laurel Park surface and a finish line at the first wire. Russell believes these factors favor a speed-oriented horse like Taj Mahal.
“The stretch being shorter is definitely in our favor,” said Brittnay. “And look, he just won there, going a mile and an eighth. Obviously, we are adding a touch of distance, but the way he ran last time [was encouraging]. We are kind of waiting for Monday to see the post positions and how things might unfold, but I would like to think that it’s beneficial that he's had a good two-turn run over it.”
Her first chance at winning the Black-Eyed Susans is a family affair for the Russells. Brittany’s husband, Sheldon Russell, serves as the primary jockey.
“99 percent of the time, I have a lot of confidence in Sheldon,” Brittany laughed when asked about the dynamics of a husband-wife team. “He’s in the barn, he sits on these horses, and he knows what we're trying to accomplish. If he doesn’t do what I was hoping, he hears all of it. Constructive criticism, right? He might have a different read than I do, but we put it together and fix it for the next time.”
If Taj Mahal prevails, Brittany Russell would become the first woman to train a Preakness Stakes winner. Following Jena Antonucci’s historic Belmont win with Arcangelo and Cherie DeVaux’s success in the Derby with Golden Tempo, a victory here would complete a symbolic "Female Trainer Triple Crown."
“It would feel like a fairy tale,” Russell said. “The fact that I feel like I have a ‘live one’ in the Preakness, there’s some pressure, but it would mean an awful lot. Laurel has given me my business and my career. To do it here at home would be 100 percent more meaningful.”
Taj Mahal is scheduled for a final breeze tomorrow morning. If he emerges well, he will head into the Preakness gate as the local hero.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
