Golden Tempo Leads Horses to Watch in 2026 Preakness Lineup

Golden Tempo, the impressive winner of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, is making headlines as he is being considered for the upcoming Preakness Stakes scheduled for May 16, 2026. Trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed that Golden Tempo is doing well following his Derby victory on May 2 at Churchill Downs.
2026 Preakness Stakes Overview
The Preakness Stakes, a prestigious Grade 1 horse race, will take place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The event has a substantial purse of $2 million and draws top competitors from across the country. This year, renovations at Pimlico Race Course have prompted the relocation of the Preakness to Laurel Park.
Important Dates
- Preakness Stakes Date: May 16, 2026
- Preakness Draw: May 11, 2026, at 5 PM
Potential Competitors for the Preakness
Several horses are in contention for a spot in the Preakness lineup. Here is a brief overview of notable contenders:
| Horse Name | Trainer | Jockey | Sire | Record | Last Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Tempo | Cherie DeVaux | Jose Ortiz | Curlin | 3-0-2 in 5 starts | Won Kentucky Derby on May 2 |
| Beau Liam | Bob Baffert | TBA | Beau Liam | 3-0-0 in 3 starts | Won Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on May 2 |
| Connection | Steve Asmussen | Luis Saez | Connect | 2-2-0 in 6 starts | Fifth in Louisiana Derby on March 21 |
| Bodexpress | Justin Evans | Juan Hernandez | Bodexpress | 3-2-0 in 6 starts | Second in Sunland Park Derby on Feb 15 |
| Volatile | John Ennis | Alex Achard | Volatile | 2-0-0 in 4 starts | Fifth in Blue Grass on April 4 |
| Nyquist | Chad Brown | Manny Franco | Nyquist | 2-0-0 in 3 starts | Seventh in Wood Memorial on April 4 |
| Quality Road | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | Quality Road | 1-1-2 in 4 starts | Second in Blue Grass on April 4 |
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes 2026 lineup is shaping up with notable horses, including the sensational Golden Tempo. With several contenders vying for a chance to compete, fans can expect an exciting event this May at Laurel Park.




