The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a thriller, and one horse you simply cannot overlook is Chip Honcho. Trained by the legendary Steve Asmussen—North America's winningest trainer with over 11,200 career victories—this colt is coming in fresh, focused, and with something to prove.
Here's the story: Chip Honcho had enough points to run in the Kentucky Derby, but Asmussen made the bold call to skip the first leg of the Triple Crown and aim straight for the Preakness. That decision turned heads, especially after the Derby was won by Golden Tempo—a horse Chip Honcho had already beaten earlier this year in the Risen Star Stakes. That victory earned him a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 92, proving he can run with the best.
But why skip the Derby? Asmussen has never won the Run for the Roses—it's the one gap on his Hall of Fame résumé. So when he chooses to bypass the Derby with a horse that had a legitimate shot, it tells you everything about how highly he thinks of Chip Honcho. Fresh off an eight-week rest, this horse is primed to leave his own mark on the Triple Crown trail.
Of course, questions remain. In his last start, the Louisiana Derby, Chip Honcho faded down the stretch, finishing 11 ½ lengths behind winner Emerging Market. That performance raised eyebrows, but with extra time to recover and sharpen up, the Asmussen team believes he's ready to bounce back.
Now, let's talk post position. Chip Honcho drew post No. 6 in a competitive 14-horse field. That's a solid spot—not too wide, not too inside—giving jockey plenty of options to find a good stalking position early. He'll need to break cleanly and stay within striking distance, especially with speedsters like Taj Mahal and Ocelli to his inside.
Here's a quick look at the full field for the 151st Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16:
1. Taj Mahal | 2. Ocelli | 3. Crupper | 4. Robusta | 5. Talkin | 6. Chip Honcho | 7. The Hell We Did | 8. Bull by the Horns | 9. Iron Honor | 10. Napoleon Solo | 11. Corona de Oro | 12. Incredibolt | 13. Great White | 14. Pretty Boy Miah
Chip Honcho has two wins in six starts and has already proven he can beat a Derby winner. If he can put his last race behind him and run back to his Risen Star form, he could be a serious factor in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Keep an eye on this one—he's got the talent, the trainer, and the timing to make a big statement at Pimlico.