DRF Handicappers Split on 3 Top Picks for 2026 Preakness at Laurel Park

9 articles · Updated · VSiN · May 16

Three Daily Racing Form handicappers landed on three different top choices for Saturday’s 2026 Preakness at Laurel Park, underscoring what they called a wide-open field.
Mike Welsch put Grade 1 winner Napoleon Solo first, citing a sharp 1:10 six-furlong drill and a 1:36 mile gallop-out, while warning his speed-heavy style and distance questions could still inflate his odds.
David Aragona made Federico Tesio winner Taj Mahal his top pick, arguing the rail draw at Laurel may help a colt he sees as improving enough to win a Preakness lacking star power.
Mike Beer sided with The Hell We Did, a lightly raced colt exiting the Lexington, and also elevated Iron Honor as an upside play after both skipped the Kentucky Derby.
Incredibolt was the only horse ranked in all three top fours, with Ocelli and Napoleon Solo also recurring as key contenders in a field seen as softer than this year’s Derby.

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