The Preakness Stakes could be a bit more unpredictable at the break than usual with 13 horses expected to enter, so the 2026 Preakness Stakes post positions should be weighed in when handicapping the Preakness Stakes odds.
We'll have the results of today's post position draw once they're revealed, complete with morning-line odds ahead of the second jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday, May 16.
2026 Preakness Stakes post positions and odds
We'll know where all the Preakness Stakes horses are breaking from soon. Stay tuned for the results of the Preakness post position draw, to be held on Monday, May 11 at approximately 5 p.m. ET.
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Preakness Stakes wins by post position
Where Preakness Stakes horses start can either give them an advantage or a disadvantage right out of the gate. Here are the post positions that claim the most Preakness Stakes titles since the introduction of the starting gate in 1930.
Post No. 14 has never won the Preakness Stakes.
| Post Position | Wins |
|---|---|
| 1 | 13 |
| 2 | 13 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 4 | 14 |
| 5 | 12 |
| 6 | 17 |
| 7 | 14 |
| 8 | 10 |
| 9 | 4 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 2 |
| 12 | 3 |
| 13 | 1 |
| 14 | 0 |
Best post position at the Preakness Stakes
In terms of producing Preakness Stakes winners as, the best post position at the is gate No. 6. This middle spot boasts 17 Preakness winners.
Worst post position at the Preakness Stakes
Gate No. 14 is the worst post position in the Preakness and has yet to produce a champ.
How is post position determined at the Preakness Stakes?
The post positions for the Preakness Stakes are determined through a random draw conducted by race officials. The draw typically takes place on the Monday of race week.
During the draw, numbered pills or balls, each representing a specific post position, are placed in a randomizer machine. The machine is then activated, and the pills are mixed thoroughly to ensure a fair selection. One by one, the pills are drawn from the machine, and the corresponding post positions are assigned to the participating horses in the order they are drawn.
The post position assigned to each horse is significant because it determines the starting position of the horse in the race. The post positions are numbered from 1 to 14, with the inside positions (closer to the rail) generally considered advantageous due to the shorter distance they have to cover to reach the first turn. However, track conditions, running style of the horse, and other factors can influence the significance of post positions in different races.
