The Preakness Stakes have taken a hit in recent years.
The past two Kentucky Derby winners, Golden Tempo and Sovereignty, have skipped 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 casuals, it’s a bummer and will certainly crater the ratings.
But that doesn’t mean that the Preakness Stakes won’t deliver. In fact, this year’s Run for the Black-Eyed Susans should have a very Derby-esque feel to it.
With a lukewarm favorite atop a deep field, there are a million directions that this year’s Preakness can go. That’s good news for those who like a punt on a long shot.
2026 Preakness Stakes long shots
No. 5 Talkin (20-1)
There are three things to like about Talkin’s chances Saturday.
First and foremost, it is his price in a field that isn’t teeming with heavyweights.
Secondly, he’s got one of the best jockeys on the planet aboard. Irad Ortiz Jr. was slated to ride Silent Tactic on Saturday, but his withdrawal is Talkin’s gain.
The final reason to back Talkin is how this race should set up.
The field of 14 is dominated by horses that want to be on, or near, the lead, and that means that we could see a repeat of the Kentucky Derby, where a long-shot closer passed a pack of tiring runners to nick the victory. Talkin fits that mold.
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No. 8 Bull by the Horns (30-1)
Another closer with long odds, Bull by the Horns’ price is more likely to stick than Talkin’s, as the latter could take some money thanks to his jockey.
Although he was not competitive in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February, Bull by the Horns rebounded with a come-from-behind victory at the Rushaway Stakes in March.
That victory, which saw him go from last to first, should give his connections confidence that he can outrun his long odds against a field that leaves plenty to be desired.
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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
