The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races of the season, with 14 talented competitors vying for glory at Laurel Park this Saturday. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, this year's "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" brings a mix of seasoned contenders, rising stars, and intriguing dark horses—plus just one horse who competed in the Kentucky Derby. Whether you're a casual fan or a seasoned handicapper, here's how the field stacks up, from the long shots to the favorites.

Let's start with the underdogs who face an uphill battle. Robusta, trained by Doug O'Neil, is one of only three Derby horses in the race, but his recent form has been disappointing. After a seventh-place finish at Santa Anita, he stumbled to 14th at Churchill Downs. A top-three finish would be a major surprise. Similarly, Bull by the Horns, owned by Peachtree Stable, has shown flashes of brilliance—like his November win in Florida—but inconsistency and struggles on fast dirt tracks make him a risky pick. Then there's Crupper, a Robert Zoellner-trained colt who has won two of his last three races, including a victory at the Bathhouse Raw last month. However, his competition has been weak, and he enters as a big underdog. Corona de Oro, trained by Dallas Stewart, earned his first career win in March but has yet to prove he can keep up with the top tier, especially after finishing behind fellow Preakness contender The Hell We Did at the 2026 Lexington.

As we move up the rankings, the middle of the pack features horses with potential but question marks. The Hell We Did, for instance, has shown he can beat some of these competitors, but consistency remains a concern. Other horses in this group have mixed records, with wins against lesser fields but struggles against stronger competition. For die-hard fans, these are the horses that could surprise—if everything clicks on race day.

Now, let's talk about the favorites. This year's field includes a deep list of contenders who have proven themselves on bigger stages. While only one Derby horse is in the race, several others have strong credentials from prep races and stakes wins. The top contenders are battle-tested, with impressive speed figures and a knack for handling pressure. Keep an eye on horses with recent wins on fast dirt tracks, as that's exactly what they'll face at Laurel Park.

So, who will win? After analyzing the field, the prediction comes down to a horse with a blend of speed, stamina, and a strong closing kick. Look for a competitor who has been improving steadily and has the pedigree to handle the 1 3/16-mile distance. While the long shots add drama, the winner is likely to come from the top tier of contenders. Whether you're watching from the stands or placing a bet, this year's Preakness promises thrills, surprises, and a race to remember.