The Preakness Alumni Face Desert Gate in the Ohio Derby: A Race to Watch
The Ohio Derby, set to take place on June 20, 2026, at Thistledown, features a star-studded field with a mix of Triple Crown alumni and rising stars. Among the 10 entrants, four are Preakness Stakes (G1) starters, including the highly anticipated Desert Gate, who is the 5-2 morning-line favorite.
Desert Gate, a Bob Baffert-trained 3-year-old, has been dominant in recent races, winning two ungraded stakes and capturing last year's Best Pal Stakes (G3). His performance in the March 26 Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn Park and the May 25 Texas Derby at Lone Star Park has solidified his status as a top contender. With Flavien Prat in the saddle, Desert Gate is poised to make a strong case for his Triple Crown aspirations.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this race is the presence of Preakness alumni. Chip Honcho, Ocelli, Bull by the Horns, and Robusta all returned for the Ohio Derby after finishing third, fourth, sixth, and ninth, respectively, in the Preakness Stakes. These horses have the advantage of additional recovery time and the opportunity to face less daunting competition. Chip Honcho, in particular, is seeking his first stakes victory of the 3-year-old campaign, having finished second in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and fourth in the Lecomte Stakes (G3).
The Ohio Derby also attracts horses that bypassed the Triple Crown this spring, such as Albus, who finished 15th in the Kentucky Derby. Albus, trained by Riley Mott, is making his first start since the Kentucky Derby and will be looking to make a statement in this race. Additionally, Trendsetter, a Lexington Stakes (G3) winner, and Jupiter, a 3-year-old with potential, add further depth to the field.
The race card also features the $250,000 Lady Jacqueline Stakes for fillies and mares, adding to the excitement. With a scheduled post time of 6:20 p.m. ET, the Ohio Derby is the nightcap of a 12-race program, providing an opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts to witness a thrilling showdown.
In my opinion, the Ohio Derby is a race that horse racing fans should not miss. The presence of Preakness alumni and the potential for upsets make it a must-watch event. Desert Gate, with his recent dominance and strong connections, is a favorite, but the competition is fierce, and surprises could unfold. This race promises to be a showcase of talent and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the 2026 racing season.
