Saturday’s $2 million Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park is overflowing with early pace. Horses preferring to race on or close to the lead comprise the overwhelming majority of the sector contesting the 1 3/16-mile Preakness.
Ten of the 14 Preakness entrants have proven a bent to race up entrance. These embody #10 Napoleon Solo (8-1), who set blazing fractions of :22.53, :44.24, and 1:07.88 when wiring the one-mile Champagne Stakes final yr, and #1 Taj Mahal (5-1), who opened up a 10-length lead halfway by way of successful final month’s 1 1/8-mile Federico Tesio Stakes.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes appears certain to unfold at a quick tempo. This might favor a pair of late runners exiting the Kentucky Derby Offered by Woodford Reserve: #2 Ocelli (6-1) and #12 Incredibolt (5-1).
Ocelli ran a large race within the Kentucky Derby. After dropping 12 lengths off the early tempo, he unleashed a sweeping rally across the far flip and into the homestretch. He led inside the ultimate eighth of a mile, however he was caught late by Golden Tempo and Renegade and settled for third place by one size.
Nonetheless, it’s price noting the Kentucky Derby unfolded in an uncommon method. The 18-horse discipline broke into two teams, with 14 racing in the principle physique of the sector whereas 4 others dropped far behind. Golden Tempo, Renegade, and Ocelli have been a part of the four-horse trailing group for the primary three-quarters of a mile.
In distinction, Incredibolt raced towards the again of the principle group, not more than 7 ¾ lengths behind sharp tempo fractions of :22.68, :46.44, and 1:10.90. It’s potential sticking nearer to the tempo dampened Incredibolt’s ending kick, however he however rallied with curiosity to complete sixth. He was crushed solely 4 lengths regardless of being pushed inward by Renegade down the homestretch.
Incredibolt is without doubt one of the most achieved horses within the Preakness discipline. He entered the Kentucky Derby off a four-length romp within the 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby Offered by New Kent County, and final fall he launched a last-to-first rally to win the 1 1/16-mile Avenue Sense Stakes.
A barely totally different setup in comparison with the Kentucky Derby is likely to be all Incredibolt wants to show the tables on Ocelli. We suggest betting Incredibolt to win, and – for those who’re finances is massive sufficient – enjoying him within the exacta with Ocelli, Champagne Stakes runner-up #5 Talkin (20-1), and Gotham Stakes winner #9 Iron Honor (9-2).
Wagering Technique on a $10 Price range
$10 to win on #12 Incredibolt
What to say on the betting window: Laurel Park, thirteenth race, $10 to win on 12
Wagering Technique on a $30 Price range
$15 to win on #12 Incredibolt
What to say on the betting window: Laurel Park, thirteenth race, $15 to win on 12
$2 exacta: 12 with 2,5,9 (complete price: $6)
What to say on the betting window: Laurel Park, thirteenth race, $2 exacta 12 with 2,5,9
$3 exacta: 2,5,9 with 12 (complete price: $9)
What to say on the betting window: Laurel Park, thirteenth race, $3 exacta 2,5,9 with 12
Good luck, and benefit from the race!
