Horse racing analyst Paul Cush returns to the Golf Preview Podcast for his second Triple Crown preview of the season — and he’s bringing the receipts. Two weeks after nailing Golden Tempo at 23-to-1 in the Kentucky Derby, Paul is back with a full breakdown of the 151st Preakness Stakes field at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland.
Host Will Doctor keeps Paul honest with sharp questions on pace dynamics, jockey switches, breeding economics, and the modern Triple Crown problem nobody in the sport wants to talk about.
Paul breaks down all 14 horses in the Preakness field, explains why the Derby unfolded the way it did, and reveals the three horses he’s betting Saturday — including a maiden who has never won a race but may be the best bet on the board.
Essential listening before you place a dollar on the Preakness Stakes.
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🕐 KEY MOMENTS
(0:06) — Will Doctor introduces Paul Cush for the 2026 Preakness Stakes preview at Laurel Park
(0:21) — Paul corrects the record: Golden Tempo went off at exactly 23-to-1 in the Kentucky Derby
(0:53) — The accordion-flow pace dynamic that made the Derby one of the slowest in history
(2:10) — Will asks which Derby horses Paul expected more from
(2:22) — Further Ado’s rough start and gate bump
(3:10) — The Six Speed storyline, jockey switch to Brian Hernandez Jr., tea and crowd impact
(4:02) — Why Six Speed switched to an American jockey
(5:03) — Why aren’t all the Derby horses running the Preakness?
(5:54) — Why modern horses are paid too much, trained too lightly, and need more spacing
(6:09) — Laurel Park confirmed as this year’s Preakness venue while Pimlico is renovated
(7:09) — Paul’s ideal Triple Crown schedule: jet2 pilot travel recommendations Derby in May, Preakness in June, Belmont in July
(7:54) — The breeding shed reality and Flight Line’s $50 million stallion example
(9:24) — The hard truth about horse injuries
(10:28) — Field breakdown begins with Taj Mahal at 5-to-1
(10:38) — Taj Mahal: Baffert-to-Brittany Russell transfer, behavior concerns, and pace issues
(12:06) — Horse 2: Ocelli enters the conversation
(12:16) — Ocelli’s rise from $12,000 purchase to Derby third at 70-to-1
(15:30) — Why Ocelli’s Derby run was more legitimate than people realize
(16:38) — Why the move from 70-to-1 to 6-to-1 does not scare Paul
(17:28) — Chief Wallabee: easy pass
(17:56) — Robusta: speed horse and pace casualty concern
(18:23) — Talkin: Irad Ortiz Jr. gets aboard, and Paul calls the 20-to-1 morning line terrible
(20:15) — Chip Honcho: Steve Asmussen runner, but Paul sees no path to victory
(21:34) — Why this becomes a good betting race
(21:50) — The Hell We Did: nightmare training morning ruins Paul’s confidence
(25:02) — Bull by the Horns: synthetic form, poor dirt profile
(25:48) — Iron Honor: Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, Wood Memorial upgrade, but needs a better price
(28:12) — Paul’s favorite under 10-to-1 is Ocelli
(28:19) — Napoleon Solo: Grade 1 Champagne winner and possible speed of the speed
(29:46) — Green light on Napoleon Solo
(29:50) — Corono De Oro: outside speed and complete pass
(30:25) — Incredibolt: exacta use, but not a win bet at favorite odds
(32:26) — Great White: scratched before the Derby after flipping at the gate
(33:56) — Pretty Boy Miah: speed horse, pedigree el niño weather concerns, pass
(35:37) — Paul says this may be one of the weakest Preakness fields ever
(35:55) — Final picks: Ocelli to win, Napoleon Solo second, Incredibolt third; exacta box 2-10-12
🏇 ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Golf Preview Podcast on the Pregame.com Podcast Network covers horse racing, golf, and sports betting analysis with sharp handicapping and honest takes. Use promo code PICK25 at Pregame.com for exclusive member access and picks.
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