The “Middle Jewel” of the Triple Crown takes on a historic new look in 2026. For the first time ever, the Preakness Stakes is moving from its longtime home at a shuttered Pimlico to Laurel Park while the “Old Hilltop” undergoes a massive multi-year reconstruction. This move brings a fresh energy and a new tactical challenge to the race, making it the perfect year to host a gathering. We have the 2026 Preakness Watch Party pack here for you to enjoy the day.
Whether you are hosting a watch party at home or organizing an office pool, our 2026 Preakness Party Pack is designed to make the race accessible for everyone. Featuring our signature printable betting sheet and custom 2026 Preakness party games, this guide helps everyone get involved, from seasoned handicappers to those who just pick the horse with the coolest name.
What’s included in this year’s Party Pack:
- The Laurel Park Office Pool: A custom-weighted pool sheet for the new venue.
- “Coolest Name” Betting Guide: Perfect for casual guests.
- Printable Wagering Sheets: Low-ink PDFs for tracking the wide-open field.
- Black-Eyed Susan Party Tips: Games and drink recipes for the ultimate Maryland-themed afternoon.
The 2026 Twist: No Triple Crown, More Value
Because 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is bypassing the Preakness to focus on the Belmont, the Triple Crown pressure is off. This has transformed the 151st Preakness into a wide-open “Bettor’s Race.” Without a dominant 1-5 favorite, the parimutuel pools are expected to be much more balanced, meaning payouts for Exactas and Trifectas are projected to be significantly higher than a typical Triple Crown year. It’s the perfect year for longshot hunters.
2026 Preakness Quick Facts
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Location: Laurel Park (Laurel, MD) – Temporary home for 2026
- Distance: 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs)
- Post Time: Approximately 6:50 PM ET (Broadcast on NBC/Peacock)
3 Easy Preakness Party Games
Use these games in conjunction with our printable PDF to keep your guests engaged throughout the afternoon.
1. The “Laurel Park” Blind Draw
The simplest way to play. Write the names of the field (the full list of 14 contenders) on slips of paper and put them in a hat. Guests pay a $5 or $10 entry fee to draw a horse.
- Winner: Takes 70% of the pot.
- Last Place: (The “Slowest Horse” Award) Takes the remaining 30%. This keeps everyone cheering until the very last horse crosses the wire!
2. The “Black-Eyed Susan” Exacta Pool
Have guests try to predict the 1st and 2nd place finishers in the exact order. Because the 2026 field is so balanced, have each guest pick two “Longshots” (like Napoleon Solo or Express Kid) alongside a favorite. If anyone hits the Exacta, they sweep the pool! If no one hits it, the person closest to the winning time wins the pot.
3. Horse Auction (Calcutta Style)
Auction off each horse to the highest bidder. The “Local Hero” (Taj Mahal) will likely command the highest price due to his track record at Laurel, but with a wide-open field, savvy guests can find massive value on mid-tier sleepers like Iron Honor or Silent Tactic. All auction money goes into a pot, with 70% going to the “owner” of the winner and 30% to the runner-up.
How to Use the SportsBrackets Betting Sheet
Our 2026 Preakness Betting Sheet is a “low-ink” PDF designed to be printed in bulk. It includes:
- Contender List: All confirmed horses with their 2026 Jockey and Trainer.
- Morning Line Odds: Space to write in the live odds as they change.
- The “Party Ledger”: A section to track who “owns” which horse in your home pool.
2026 Preakness Contenders to Watch
- Taj Mahal: The local hero. He’s unbeaten at Laurel Park and is the “Horse for the Course.”
- Silent Tactic: After a strong 2nd place finish in the Arkansas Derby, many experts believe he is the best 3-year-old in the field with the Derby winner sidelined.
- Ocelli: The 70-1 longshot who nearly shocked the world in the Derby. He’s the sentimental favorite for 2026.
Plan Your Preakness Weekend
Don’t miss a second of the action from Laurel Park. Check out our full broadcast schedule and contender deep dives:
- 2026 Kentucky Derby Results: Golden Tempo’s 30-1 Upset & Full Finishing Order – Relive the “Run for the Roses” and see how the 2026 field fared at Churchill Downs.
- 2026 Preakness Stakes Full Schedule: TV Times, Post Positions, and Tickets – View the complete hour-by-hour broadcast schedule for the action at Laurel Park.
- 2026 Belmont Stakes Hub: Schedule, Betting Guide, and Triple Crown Tracker – Looking ahead to the final jewel? Get early betting lines and schedule details for the Belmont.
