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2h ago

Derby Winner Skips Preakness as 2026 Race Shifts to Laurel Park

The Derby winner’s absence has renewed calls to spread the Triple Crown races farther apart.

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Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse loved what he saw from Arkansas Derby runner-up Silent Tactic's work on May 8 at Churchill Downs ahead of a planned start in the Preakness, but needs to make sure a minor but problematic foot bruise doesn't flare back up.

Overview

  • Golden Tempo’s trainer Cherie DeVaux said Wednesday that the colt will bypass the Preakness, ending any Triple Crown bid this year.
  • The Preakness is set for Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park with an approximate 6:50 p.m. ET post time and national coverage on NBC after CNBC’s undercard show.
  • Pimlico’s renovation has moved the race to Laurel for one year, and in-person attendance is limited to 4,800 two-day tickets.
  • Jose Ortiz will ride Chip Honcho, and trainer Steve Asmussen noted Ortiz knows the colt, who won the Gun Runner and repeatedly faced Golden Tempo in Louisiana prep races.
  • The field is still being finalized before Monday evening’s post draw, with up to 16 under consideration; Yahoo Sports reports Bob Baffert’s Crude Velocity will also skip, and Derby third-place finisher Ocelli is expected with Tyler Gaffalione.