While expectations mount for Golden Tempo, the Preakness Stakes is beginning to take shape

A full field is expected for the second leg of the Triple Crown; a final decision on whether the Kentucky Derby winner will compete is anticipated toward the end of the weekend

Golden Tempo and Cherie DeVaux have everyone in suspense... / KENTUCKY DERBY

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— With the first gem of the Triple Crown already in the books, the eyes of the racing world now shift to Maryland, where the Preakness Stakes (G1) is beginning to take shape. Despite the limited interest from most of the Kentucky Derby (G1) protagonists, the list of potential contenders for May 16 is extensive, with 16 names under consideration for a field limited to 14 spots.

The great unknown, of course, lies with the brand-new hero of Louisville, Golden Tempo. After returning to his base at Keeneland, trainer Cherie DeVaux has adopted a posture of extreme caution. The son of Curlin is one of the few Derby participants appearing as a possible candidate for the second gem, although his presence will depend exclusively on how he evolves in the coming days. "He needs to be as good as he was before the Derby; healthy, sound, and with good energy," stated the professional. A decision is expected toward the end of the week.

A significant detail for this edition is the change of venue: due to reconstruction work at Pimlico, the Preakness will move to Laurel Park, maintaining its traditional distance of 1900 meters.

The other survivors of the Run for the Roses under consideration are the maiden Ocelli (Connect), a surprising third-place finisher, whose possible trip was discussed yesterday.

The list of probables includes several horses that, for various reasons, could not start in the Derby or chose to skip it to arrive fresh in Maryland, such as Great White (Volatile), following his spectacular and accidental scratch at the gates.

Silent Tactic (Tacitus), who was left out during the week due to a hoof bruise, has recovered and is on the list of contenders. Also appearing as a probable is Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map): the Champagne Stakes (G1) winner worked excellently at Belmont Park (1200 meters in 1m10s), and his trainer, Chad Summers, confirmed he will travel to Laurel on May 10.

Crude Velocity (Beau Liam), Bob Baffert's undefeated runner who recently dazzled in the Pat Day Mile (G2), is another major name that would add stellar luster to the contest. Likewise, trainers like Chad Brown are keeping Ottinho (Quality Road) and Iron Honor (Nyquist) in the mix, while Steve Asmussen confirmed that the objective for Chip Honcho (Connect) remains the Preakness.

Unlike other years, those who followed Golden Tempo at Churchill Downs have decided to take different paths. Renegade (Into Mischief), the runner-up, is already at Saratoga to evaluate if he will point directly toward the Belmont Stakes (G1).

Chief Wallabee (Constitution), who finished fourth under the tutelage of Bill Mott, will also not be part of the race. The trainer, true to his style, prefers to avoid the short layoff and set his sights on the Belmont Stakes, which will be held at Saratoga this year.

While the Kentucky Derby begins to enter the history books, the dream of the Triple Crown remains exclusively in the hands—and legs, of course—of Golden Tempo.

If Cherie DeVaux's pupil confirms his participation, the 2026 Preakness will be a trial by fire against a group of fresh faces that have been waiting for their chance to achieve classic glory.