Preakness Stakes: Longshots to Consider at Laurel Park

The eyes of the horse racing world will be back on the Triple Crown action this weekend, as Laurel Park gears up to host the Preakness Stakes for the first time.

With Golden Tempo opting to bypass the race after winning the Kentucky Derby, there is a wide open feel to the Middle Jewel race, with locally-trained Taj Mahal expected to take a lot of money for the Brittany Russell yard. However, who are some of the longshots to consider at this year’s Preakness Stakes?

Preakness Stakes Longshots

The Hell We Did (+1500)

Just like the Derby a few weeks ago, there could be a lot of early pace at Laurel Park on Saturday, with as many as three horses being notable front-runners. Therefore, it could set up for a challenger that is sitting off the early speed.

The Hell We Did is a notable runner for Todd Fincher, who is by 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic. A first start at Laurel Park is unlikely to faze the three-year-old, who has made all four career appearances at different tracks, and is yet to finish outside of the first two.

Showed promise on his last start when finishing second in the G3 Lexington Stakes. Luis Saez is booked aboard, which ensures he is of interest.

• The Hell We Did to Win the Preakness Stakes @ +1500

ALSO SEE: Preakness Stakes Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (May 16)

Bull By The Horns (+3000)

Saffie Joseph Jr will be looking for his first win in a Triple Crown race this Saturday, just days after stable star White Abarrio’s retirement was announced for the end of 2026.

Bull By The Horns will require a Golden Tempo-esque route into the race, needing a very strong pace to aim at and some good fortune. The colt will sit at the back of the pack before making his move late in the race.

That tactic worked to perfection last time out when landing the Rushaway Stakes at Turfway Park in a four-way photo finish. Everything will need to drop perfectly for the son of Essential Quality, but with proven front-runners involved, it could develop that way.  

• Bull By The Horns to Win the Preakness Stakes @ +3000

Crupper (+3000)

As we have mentioned, a strong pace is expected this weekend, and wire-to-wire winners have been prominent throughout Preakness Stakes history. In total, 23 previous victors of the race have gone wire-to-wire, including 2023 champion National Treasure.

That could bode well for the lightning-quick Crupper for last year’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes-winning rider, Junior Alvarado. The three-year-old for trainer Donnie Von Hemel was an eye-catching winner of the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Park last time, recording an Equibase rating of 91.

That will be enough to see him at least get competitive this weekend, and the track bias will also play in his favor. Overlooked for an unknown stable, and plenty of stamina promised as a son of Candy Ride.

• Crupper to Win the Preakness Stakes @ +3000