Preakness Profile: Chip Honcho * The Racing Biz

Preakness Profile: Chip Honcho

Won the Gun Runner

The Biz
May 16, 2026

6. Chip Honcho (5-1)

Color / Sex: Dark Bay or Brown Colt
Bred / By: Kentucky / Venneri Racing Inc. & Tony Fanticola
Sire – Dam (Damsire): Connect – Miss My Rose, by Magician(IRE)
Starts-Wins-Places-Shows / Earnings: 6-2-2-0 / $280,475
Jockey / Trainer: Jose Ortiz / Steve Asmussen
Owner: Leland Ackerley Racing, LLC, James Sherwood, Jude Shupe, and John Ciliae

Chip Honcho has danced many of the major prep dances this spring and generally held his own. The Steve Asmussen trainee nearly stole the Risen Star Stakes on the front end before being caught late by Paladin, earning a strong 92 Beyer. He later faded in the Louisiana Derby after pressing a fast pace. Though not flashy, he has proven durable and competitive throughout the season.

Like Ocelli, Chip Honcho is by Connect, reinforcing the influence of Curlin stamina in this crop. His dam, Miss My Rose, is by European turf influence Magician, which may add versatility and staying power. The pedigree suggests he should handle distance, though perhaps without a devastating turn of foot.

Chip Honcho almost certainly will be involved early. He has enough speed to force the issue and enough toughness to keep trying late. The concern is whether he can sustain that pressure against fresher closers in the final furlong.

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