The Preakness Stakes have been a huge success in recent years.
Previous Kentucky Derby winners, Golden Tempo and Sovereignty, have missed the trip to Maryland, and only two horses from this year’s Run for the Roses (Ocelli and Incredibolt) are in the field for Saturday’s middle jewel.
For exhibitors, this is annoying and will definitely spoil ratings.
But that doesn’t mean the Preakness Stakes won’t be a success. In fact, this year’s Run for the Black-Eyed Susans should have a derby feel.
With a lukewarm favorite atop a deep field, there are a million directions the Preakness could go this year. This is good news for those who like to bet on a long shot.
2026 Preakness Longshot Stakes
Hadith No. 5 (20-1)
There are three things to like about Talkin’ chances on Saturday.
First and foremost, it’s pricey in a field not filled with heavyweights.
Second, he has one of the best riders on the planet on board. Irad Ortiz Jr. was scheduled to ride Silent Tactic on Saturday, but his withdrawal is Talkin’ gain.
The final reason to support Talkin is how this race is set up.
The 14-horse field is dominated by horses that want to be at or near the front, meaning we could see a repeat of the Kentucky Derby, where a long shot passed a pack of tired runners to victory. Talkin fits this mold.
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No. 8 bull of the horns (30-1)
Another price closer with long odds, Bull by the Horns is likely to remain priced more than Talkin, as the latter could take some money thanks to his jockey.
Although he was unable to compete in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February, Bull by the Horns rebounded with a come-from-behind victory in the Rushaway Stakes in March.
This victory, which moved him from last place to first place, would give his colleagues confidence in his ability to exceed his long odds in a field that leaves much to be desired.
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Michael LeBoeuf is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-time profitable sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help gamblers win pots, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.