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PREAKNESS STAKES BETTING
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The 151st Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, Crown and often called the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The post-position draw took place on Monday, May 11th, and the race will commence at approximately 7:01 p.m. ET.
Preakness Stakes History
Throughout Preakness Stakes history, legendary winners and memorable performances have helped define the event’s legacy. Notable trainers, including Bob Baffert, have also left a significant mark on the race through multiple Preakness victories.
The Preakness Stakes is a cornerstone of American horse racing. First run in 1873 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, it is now known as the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The race is named after Preakness, the horse that won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in 1870.
Over the decades, the Preakness has featured legendary winners such as Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed, each contributing to the race’s storied tradition. The event is traditionally run at 1 3/16 miles on dirt and is known for the iconic Black-Eyed Susan blanket draped over the winning horse.
While Pimlico Race Course remains the historic home of the Preakness, the 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, due to the redevelopment of Pimlico. The 2026 race is the 151st running and is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico Race Course, affectionately known as “Old Hilltop,” is one of the most historic venues in American horse racing. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Pimlico has long been associated with the Preakness Stakes and remains central to the race’s identity and tradition.
The venue is historically tied to major Preakness traditions, including the Triple Crown spotlight, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Preakness Weekend. However, for the 2026 edition, the main Preakness Stakes race will temporarily shift to Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes redevelopment.
This temporary move does not change Pimlico’s long-term connection to the race. Instead, it reflects a one-year adjustment as Maryland racing prepares for the Preakness to return to its traditional Baltimore home after redevelopment.
HOW TO BET ON THE PREAKNESS STAKES
Get ready for the 2026 Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, happening Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park! Find out how you can get in on the action, with betting beginning Friday, May 15, and futures wagering the week before the Kentucky Derby! FanDuel makes it easy for new users to sign up, fund their account, and place a wager—all from your phone or desktop. The registration process is quick and straightforward: simply enter your personal details, confirm your account via email, and you’re ready to start betting. In addition to FanDuel, leading online racebooks such as Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline are popular choices for Preakness Stakes betting. Bovada is considered one of the best online platforms, offering a variety of betting options and promotions. MyBookie stands out for its creative odds, unique markets, and a welcome bonus for new customers, while BetOnline is noted for its comprehensive horse racing odds and markets. These online racebooks are known for providing a fair betting environment and secure payout processes, ensuring a trustworthy experience for all bettors. Find your state on the map below to see where you can legally place Preakness Stakes bets, then choose the link that applies to you.
Bet Types for the Preakness Stakes
When betting on the Preakness Stakes, bettors can choose from a variety of wagering options to suit their strategies and risk preferences. The most straightforward are straight bets, which include win, place, and show wagers—requiring your selected horse to finish first, second, or third, respectively. For those seeking bigger payouts, exotic wagers offer more complex betting opportunities. Popular exotic bets include the exacta (predicting the first and second place finishers in the correct order), trifecta (first, second, and third in order), and superfecta (first four finishers in order). Futures bets allow bettors to wager on the potential winner of the Preakness Stakes well in advance of race day, often at more favorable odds. Online racebooks and sportsbooks provide a wide range of betting options, including live streaming and mobile betting, making it easy for bettors to participate in the excitement of the Preakness Stakes from anywhere.
Preakness Stakes Odds Explained
Understanding Preakness Stakes odds is essential for making informed betting decisions. The odds for each horse are determined by the total amount of money wagered on them, with favorites typically having the lowest odds. Odds are displayed as ratios, such as 3-1 or 5-2, indicating the potential payout for every dollar wagered. For example, a horse at 3-1 odds will return $3 for every $1 bet, while 5-2 odds pay $2.50 per $1 wagered. Preakness Stakes odds can fluctuate in the days and hours leading up to the race, reflecting changes in betting patterns and expert analysis. Savvy bettors monitor these shifts to find value and maximize their potential winnings. By understanding how odds work and tracking their movement, bettors can make smarter wagers and enhance their overall betting experience on race day.
LIVE HORSE RACING COVERAGE ON FANDUEL TV+
Tune in to FanDuel TV+ for Preakness Stakes coverage featuring live racing and analysis. You can watch the live coverage of Preakness Stakes on NBC on May 16th.
2026 PREAKNESS STAKES POST TIME
The 2026 Preakness Stakes post time is 7:01 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 16.
LEARN MOREPREAKNESS STAKES CONTENDERS AND POST POSITIONS
The Preakness Stakes, aka The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, recognized as the second leg of the coveted Triple Crown series, is scheduled to take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, May 16th. This prestigious horse racing event spans a distance of 1 3/16th mile, the shortest of the Triple Crown races.
The draw for the 151st Preakness Stakes takes place on Monday, May 11, featuring nine elite contenders. Below are the contenders running in the race.
PREAKNESS STAKES BETTING 101
There are many ways to bet on the Preakness Stakes, with options ranging from simple wagers to more advanced betting strategies. The simplest bets are called straight wagers: , where you focus on one horse: Win, Place, or Show. A Win bet pays out only if your horse wins the race (finishes first). A Place bet cashes if your horse finishes in the top two, and a Show bet cashes if your horse finishes in the top three. If your horse does not finish in the required position, your bet does not cash, meaning you do not receive a payout. Payouts for these straight bets depend strictly on the final odds listed on the track tote board. You can also make an 'Across the Board' bet, which is a combination wager where you place equal amounts to Win, Place, and Show on one horse. This gives you multiple chances to cash depending on how your horse finishes.
There are also more complex bets called exotic wagers. These involve predicting the order of multiple horses or the winners of several races. For example, an exacta bet requires you to predict which horses will finish first and second in the correct order, while a trifecta requires selecting the first three finishers in exact order. A superfecta bet requires picking the first four finishers in the exact order, and can yield significant payouts if successful. A quinella bet is similar to an exacta, but you select the top two finishers in any order. Exotic wagers also include Super High Five, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6.
| Bet Type | Definition | Example Bet | Example Odds | Potential Payout (per $2 bet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exacta | Predict the first and second place finishers in exact order. | 1st: #5, 2nd: #8 | 18–8 | $48.32 |
| Exacta Box | Predict the first two finishers in any order. | #5, #8 | 18–8 | $96.64 |
| Trifecta | Predict the first three finishers in exact order. | 1st: #5, 2nd: #8, 3rd: #21 | 18–8–21 | $231.12 |
| Trifecta Box | Predict the first three finishers in any order. | #5, #8, #21 | 18–8–21 | $693.36 |
| Superfecta | Predict the first four finishers in exact order. | 1st: #5, 2nd: #8, 3rd: #21, 4th: #3 | 18–8–21–3 | $1,682.27 |
| Superfecta Box | Predict the first four finishers in any order. | #5, #8, #21, #3 | 18–8–21–3 | $6,728.08 |
| Super High Five | Predict the first five finishers in exact order. | 1st: #5, 2nd: #8, 3rd: #21, 4th: #3, 5th: #20 | 18–8–21–3–20 | $38,405.96 |
| Daily Double | Predict the winners of two consecutive races. | Race 1: #5, Race 2: #8 | 5–8 | Varies (based on pool) |
| Pick 3 | Predict the winners of three consecutive races. | Race 1: #5, Race 2: #8, Race 3: #21 | 5–8–21 | Varies (based on pool) |
| Pick 4 | Predict the winners of four consecutive races. | Race 1: #5, Race 2: #8, Race 3: #21, Race 4: #3 | 5–8–21–3 | Varies (based on pool) |
| Pick 5 | Predict the winners of five consecutive races. | Race 1: #5, Race 2: #8, Race 3: #21, Race 4: #3, Race 5: #20 | 5–8–21–3–20 | Varies (based on pool) |
| Pick 6 | Predict the winners of six consecutive races. | Race 1: #5, Race 2: #8, Race 3: #21, Race 4: #3, Race 5: #20, Race 6: #7 | 5–8–21–3–20–7 | Varies (based on pool) |
Check out our bet guide to help you learn more about how these bet types work to begin winning right out of the starting gate
Key Betting Factors to Consider
Betting on the Preakness Stakes can be both exciting and profitable, and an analytical approach to evaluating horses, connections, and race conditions is essential. Our informational content is designed to provide free, educational resources for bettors, emphasizing the importance of reliable facts and data as the foundation of expert analysis and betting picks. Using a comparative context, contrasting different horses, strategies, or betting options, can help bettors make more informed decisions. There are several key factors to consider when placing bets on the Preakness Stakes.
HORSE STATS & PAST PERFORMANCES: To increase your chances of winning, it’s critical to understand the horses. Assessing their strengths, weaknesses, recent performances, record, and factors such as age, weight, pedigree, and jockey is important.
TRACK CONDITIONS: It's important to study the Preakness Stakes track at Pimlico Race Course, which is relatively short compared to other tracks. Familiarize yourself with the track's peculiarities and how they may affect horse performance. Weather is also crucial to consider, with wet or muddy conditions affecting horse performance and dry conditions favoring horses with speed.
RACING ODDS: Another way to increase your chances of winning is by analyzing the Preakness Stakes odds and identifying undervalued or overvalued horses. Betting on the Preakness Stakes operates on a pari-mutuel wagering system, where all ticket money goes into a pool and the odds fluctuate until the race begins. For beginners, it’s wise to focus on simple wagers and pay attention to race-specific factors. Successful horseplayers often set a strict budget, avoid chasing losses, and concentrate on bets that match their experience level. When considering exotic wagers such as Pick 4 or Pick 6, remember you must predict the winners of successive races to win these multi-race bets.
2026 Preakness Stakes Results
The 151st Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, while Pimlico Race Course undergoes redevelopment. The race is the second leg of the Triple Crown and is contested over 1 3/16 miles on dirt by three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The post-position draw has been completed, setting the stage for a competitive 14-horse field. Because the race has not yet been run, no winner, exacta results, or final payouts have been determined. Bettors can review the field, post positions, odds, and recent race performances before placing wagers. Exotic bets such as exactas, trifectas, Pick 3s, and Pick 4s may be available, with payouts determined after the race based on the official results and wagering pools. The 2026 Preakness Stakes carries a $2 million purse, continuing its status as one of the major events on the spring horse racing calendar. The race will also look different this year because Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is not expected to run, meaning there will not be a Triple Crown winner in 2026. As the Preakness approaches, expert analysis is focused on the horses’ recent performances, post positions, running styles, and how the temporary move to Laurel Park could affect the race. Fans and bettors should check the latest odds and official race information before making any selections. For the best experience betting on the Preakness Stakes or other race meets, download the FanDuel Racing app. The app gives horse racing fans access to betting options, race information, and helpful tools for placing wagers on the go. Don'’t miss out on the excitement and convenience of betting with FanDuel Sportsbook - Download the App Today!
Preakness Stakes Betting Trends & Historical Insights
When betting on the Preakness Stakes, it’s important to evaluate recent trends that influence race outcomes, including trainer and jockey performance, betting odds movement, and key prep races. While the Preakness has a long history, modern racing conditions, training methods, and competition levels make recent editions of the race more relevant for betting analysis.
Looking at the last ten editions of the Preakness Stakes, here are key trends to consider when identifying potential contenders:
| Year | Horse | Post | Payout | Preakness Trip | Final Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Journalism | 2 | $4.00 (f) | midpack | 2nd, Kentucky Derby (G1) |
| 2024 | Seize the Grey | 5 | $21.60 | frontrunning | 1st, Pat Day Mile (G2) |
| 2023 | National Treasure | 1 | $7.80 | frontrunning | 4th, Santa Anita Derby (G1) |
| 2022 | Early Voting | 5 | $13.40 | stalking | 2nd, Wood Memorial (G2) |
| 2021 | Rombauer | 6 | $25.60 | midpack | 3rd, Blue Grass (G2) |
| 2020 | Swiss Skydiver | 4 | $25.40 | stalking | 2nd, Kentucky Oaks (G1) |
| 2019 | War of Will | 1 | $14.20 | stalking | 7th, Kentucky Derby |
| 2018 | Justify | 7 | $2.80 (f) | frontrunning | 1st, Kentucky Derby |
| 2017 | Cloud Computing | 2 | $28.80 | stalking | 3rd, Wood Memorial (G2) |
| 2016 | Exaggerator | 5 | $7.20 | closing | 2nd, Kentucky Derby |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | 1 | $3.80 (f) | frontrunning | 1st, Kentucky Derby |
Preakness has a reputation for favoring shorter-priced horses, but recent results show that favorites have not dominated outright wins, leaving opportunities for longshots to compete for the title.
When it comes to post positions, the rail (horse that draws the #1 post position) has produced three winners from the fence in the last ten years. Middle posts, however, have also been good, with three winners from the 5 gate and one from the 6 hole during that same time. Overall, post position is less critical in the Preakness Stakes compared to larger-field races, and strong contenders can win from a variety of starting gates.
Class shines in the Preakness, as all of the last 10 winners have come out of Grade 1 or Grade 2 races. Even though there are some ungraded races that offer Preakness bids, no horse has come straight out of one of those to win in Baltimore, so tread carefully.
Recent trends indicate that betting on horses coming from Churchill Downs is a good idea. Even though not all of them came out of the Kentucky Derby, with the Pat Day Mile and even the Kentucky Oaks yielding recent Preakness winners, six out of the ten most recent Preakness winners came out of good efforts at Churchill Downs.
Preakness has a reputation for being friendly to forwardly-placed horses, and that has borne out in recent runnings. Four of the last ten winners led at every call, and another four stalked within a few lengths of the pace. Be careful before betting a horse who comes in from well off the pace in the Preakness, as only two of the last ten runners have come from midpack or further back.
Betting Strategy: Preakness Stakes vs. the Kentucky Derby
The major difference between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is the field size. Though both races are longer than the vast majority of American dirt races, meaning the Preakness is a serious test of stamina, the Kentucky Derby is a chaotic 20-horse race, whereas Preakness fields typically feature ten or fewer horses.
The smaller field size helps explain why forwardly-placed horses do so well in the Preakness. With fewer horses, there is less chance of multiple one-way speed horses causing a fiery pace duel, meaning the race is less likely to fall apart for a closer.
In addition to the race shape, the smaller field size should also affect your betting strategy in the Preakness Stakes. It’s just simple math. In a 20-horse Kentucky Derby, there are a lot more possible combinations for exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. More possible combinations mean generally higher payouts for those exotic wagers—of course, because there being that many horses makes them that much harder to hit. Exotic payoffs in the Preakness can be good, but are a lot more in line with normal races because the field size is more in line with normal races.
This means that, unlike in the Kentucky Derby, where it can be profitable to bet a bigger ticket because of the possible reward, it makes more sense to go narrower on your exotic wagers in the Preakness. Lean on a horse or two that you really like, and build a few other horses around them for deeper exotics. That way, you can be a lot more confident that your winning ticket will be a profitable one.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes will feature a purse of $2 million, an increase from previous years, adding to the stakes for owners and trainers. The field size is expected to be around nine horses running, with the post positions recently announced. Bettors should keep an eye on the preakness stakes odds, which can fluctuate significantly as the race day approaches, reflecting confidence and handicapping insights. Exotic bets such as the exacta bet, requiring the correct order of the first and second place finishers, remain popular for those seeking larger payouts. Additionally, multi-race exotic wagers like Pick 3 and Pick 4 continue to attract bettors aiming to capitalize on their handicapping skills across several races. Remember to mind your bankroll and only deposit what you are comfortable risking, as betting on thoroughbreds always involves an element of unpredictability. The Preakness Stakes remains a fixture in the spring racing calendar and a key fixture in the world of horse racing.
FAQ
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE 2026 PREAKNESS STAKES?
The 2026 Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland.
IN WHICH STATES IS HORSE RACING AVAILABLE?
You can bet on horse racing directly through the Sportsbook app in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY.
You can also bet on Horse Racing directly through our FanDuel Racing app in the following states: AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, WA, WV, WY.
WHY CAN'T I ACCESS HORSE RACING IN SPORTSBOOK?
You can bet on horse racing directly through the Sportsbook app in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY.
Horse racing is not currently available via the Sportsbook app in D.C., KS, NC, NJ, TN, VT.
CAN I USE MY DEPOSITS AND WINNINGS FROM SPORTSBOOK TO PLACE BETS ON THE PREAKNESS?
Yes! You can use all of your sportsbook deposits and winnings to place bets on the Preakness Stakes! We make it easy for you to enjoy play with our integrated wallet.
When is post time for the Preakness Stakes?
The post time for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is approximately 6:45 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
How many horses are in the Preakness?
The number of horses competing in the Preakness Stakes varies each year, but there is a maximum of 14 horses allowed
I won my sports bet or horse racing bet. Where are my winnings?
Horse racing is one of the most exciting and unique sports in betting, from the Kentucky Derby, to the Belmont Stakes, and beyond.
But it can also be a bit complicated sometimes.
FanDuel and all other sports betting providers rely on official statistics and results from the leagues like the NFL or NBA. Horse racing is a little different depending on race course tracks and governing bodies, and it can include post-race inspection, video replay, and much more.
Because of this, it can take a little longer for any winnings to end up in your account following a race compared to other sports. This is called "bet settlement."
We must wait on any official results in case there are no disqualifications or issues with the confirmed outcome of the race.
What kind of bets can I make in the Preakness?
You can make the same kinds of bets on the Preakness Stakes that you can on any horse race: straight bets (win, place, show), exotic bets (exacta, trifecta, superfecta, Super High Five), and pick wagers (Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6).
Who won the Preakness in 2025?
The 2025 Preakness Stakes, marking the historic 150th edition of the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, was won by Journalism.