Michael Dunlop is much fancied to add to his record tally of wins, his total of 33 now including five four-timers in 2013, 2014, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The Ballymoney rider will start as a heavy favourite in the Supersport class in which he boasts a record 15 victories, including doubles in each of the past four years.
The 37-year-old has also dominated the Supertwins class on his Paton with seven wins but will look to increase his total of triumphs in the 1000cc classes, including in the Superstock category, in which he has not won a race since 2014.
Last year, the Northern Ireland rider gave Ducati their first TT win for 30 years and in addition to riding a bike supplied by the Italian manufacturer in the Supersport class again this time out, Dunlop may opt to ride for them in the Superbike and Senior as well. In total, he has won on bikes supplied by seven different manufacturers and has racked up 51 podium finishes – another record.
After missing last year’s races because of injuries sustained in a practice crash at the event, course record holder Peter Hickman will look to add to his 14 previous wins when he takes to the track on his 8Ten Racing BMWs, Supersport Triumph and Yamaha R7 Supertwin.
His previous dominance in larger capacity classes is emphasised by the fact that he won 10 of 13 1000cc races from 2018 on.
With three-time winner Davey Todd ruled out through injury, Dean Harrison is the other most likely candidate to occupy the top step of the podium.
The Yorkshire rider, 35-times a rostrum finisher, took victory in both Superstock races in 2025 to make it five career wins overall and he continues for a third season with Honda Racing.
Between them, Dunlop, Hickman, Harrison and Todd have won 40 of the past 41 solo TTs, but a number of other riders will have ambitions of achieving top-three places and even breaking the domination of that illustrious quartet.
Australian two-time British Superbike champion Josh Brookes, Manx riders Conor Cummins and Nathan Harrison, 16-time winner Ian Hutchinson, 23-time victor John McGuinness, Jamie Coward, Paul Jordan, Dominic Herbertson, Mike Browne, David Johnson and Rob Hodson should all contend for high leaderboard placings.
Ryan and Callum Crowe look well placed to continue their domination of the sidecar class which has seen them notch doubles in both of the past two years.
