Ocelli emerges as Preakness contender despite maiden status
The horse that finished third in the Kentucky Derby at 70-1 odds is now a favourite for the 151st Preakness Stakes, facing a historic challenge as a winless maiden.
Ocelli has transitioned from a longshot in the Kentucky Derby to a leading contender for the 151st Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, May 16. The winless maiden, who finished third in the Derby at 70-1 odds, is now positioned as a favourite with odds of 6-1, a significant shift in market perception following his performance in Louisville.
Trained by Taj Mahal and ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione, Ocelli has been drawn in post position two for the race at Laurel Park. This draw offers a tactical advantage, allowing the jockey to save ground around the first turn. The field also includes Iron Honor, who is the 9-2 favourite, alongside other contenders such as Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, and Napoleon Solo.
Ocelli’s Derby run was marked by a sweeping, six-wide move around the far turn and a brief lead in the deep stretch. He ultimately finished behind Golden Tempo and Renegade, benefiting from a pace meltdown that day. His performance earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 94, which ranks among the best in the Preakness field, surpassing his previous career best of 81.
A victory for Ocelli would be historically significant, as he would become the first maiden to win the Preakness Stakes since Refund in 1888. The horse has seven career starts since November 23, 2025, indicating familiarity with short rest periods. However, the two-week turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness remains a point of scrutiny for analysts.
The race conditions at Laurel Park present specific challenges, with the stretch measured at just 1,089 feet. This shorter distance may impact off-the-pace horses like Ocelli, who will need to execute their moves well before the eighth pole. Betting promotions are currently being offered by DraftKings Racing and 1/ST BET for the event.
