The countdown to Saturday's Preakness Stakes is heating up, and the field is still taking shape as the post position draw looms Monday evening. With at least two horses—including the potential favorite—still uncertain to run, the excitement and drama are building for the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.

After a week of evaluation, it looks like only two Kentucky Derby contenders will be among the 14 three-year-olds entered for the Preakness at Laurel Park. But don't let the small numbers fool you—this race is wide open. Many connections are hoping for a single-digit post position draw, even though Derby winner Golden Tempo pulled off his last-to-first victory from the outside stall. History shows that anything is possible.

Silent Tactic is shaping up as the likely favorite, if trainer Mark Casse gives the green light. The Arkansas Derby runner-up was scratched from the Derby with a bruised foot, but Casse has been cautious. "We have been training him with a full pad on his foot," he said Sunday. "It covers the bottom of his foot. You don't want to run in that in a race because you would not get the traction." All eyes will be on that foot as the draw approaches.

Another last-minute decision involves Great White, who flipped behind the starting gate at Churchill Downs and was scratched from the Run for the Roses. Trainer John Ennis is optimistic after riding the colt Sunday morning. "He looks really good. He felt really good," Ennis said. A final all-clear from his connections could put him in the gate.

Meanwhile, Ocelli—who drew into the Kentucky Derby after defections and finished third—is ready for another shot. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione believes in the colt, even though he's yet to win a race. "It only takes one," Gaffalione said. "He could definitely be that one." Track officials note that only six horses have recorded their first win in the Preakness, and none since 1888. But every streak has to end somewhere.

With the draw just hours away, the Preakness is shaping up to be a thrilling mix of Derby veterans, fresh faces, and last-minute decisions. Stay tuned—this race is far from settled.