Preakness Stakes 2026: Thunderstride Looks to Keep Triple Crown Alive

After the Kentucky Derby, the Triple Crown spotlight sort of slides over to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 24, 2026 . Thunderstride, who was the Derby runner up, seems like the favorite now, to win the Preakness Stakes and keep those Triple Crown hopes going.

The Contenders
Thunderstride is out front, leading the pack at +250 odds, while Bluegrass Glory is not far behind at +400. Then theres Darkhorse contender Silver Comet sitting at +800, giving bettors a solid chance for that big, high value win.

Betting angles
Thunderstride has that tactical speed and this calm ability to control pace, so in the shorter 1 3/16-mile race he is a real hazard kind of competitor. His Derby showing was all about resilience, and Pimlico’s track suits his running style pretty well. Now, bettors are basically asking whether Bluegrass Glory can bounce back , or if Thunderstride is going to dominate the whole thing.

Best Bet
The best bet here seems to be Thunderstride to Win at +250. His pace control along with stamina, gives him the edge in the Preakness. People betting might want to lock in early odds at Bovada, before things shift a little.

Why Bettors Really Oughta Watch This
The Preakness is kind of pivotal, if Thunderstride happens to win, the Triple Crown dream it stays alive going into the Belmont Stakes. Bettors should really pay attention close for line movement and those late scratches, because they can, honestly, change the whole betting landscape pretty fast.