Preakness Profile: Crupper
Gained auto entry via Bathhouse Row win
The Biz
May 16, 2026
2. Ocelli (6-1)
Owner: Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate, Front Page Stables
Color/sex: Bay colt
Sire-Dam (Damsire): Connect-Zalia (Scat Daddy)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Record: 7 starts — 0 wins, 1 second, 4 thirds
Earnings: $609,800
Ocelli enters the Preakness as arguably the most compelling story in the race. Still a maiden after seven starts, the Whit Beckman trainee nonetheless finished a flying third in the Kentucky Derby, rallying from far back to lead before settling for third. Earlier this spring he also finished third in the Wood Memorial after traffic trouble. Though he has yet to win, Ocelli has banked more than $600,000 through sheer consistency against elite company.
The colt’s pedigree strongly hints that distance is his friend. Ocelli is by Connect, a son of Curlin, and out of a mare by Scat Daddy. Purchased for only $12,000 as a yearling, he has already become one of the biggest bargains in the Triple Crown series.
Ocelli’s closing style makes him dependent on pace, but this race appears likely to feature enough speed to help his cause. He lacks the tactical position many Preakness winners possess, yet his Derby run showed he belongs at this level. If the leaders weaken late, Ocelli is one of the most likely runners to be charging hardest in the final furlong.
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