The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing races of the year, and while there won't be a Triple Crown attempt—Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo has opted out—the excitement is far from over. This year's race takes place on Saturday, May 16, at the historic Laurel Park, a fresh twist from the usual Pimlico Race Course. That change alone adds a layer of novelty that horse racing fans are buzzing about. And if Golden Tempo's stunning last-to-first surge at the Derby taught us anything, it's that unpredictability is the name of the game. Expect plenty of suspense as the field lines up for the 2026 Preakness Stakes.
Leading the pack is Crude Velocity, trained by the legendary Bob Baffert—an eight-time Preakness winner—and sitting as the 4-1 favorite. Behind him, the odds spread wide open, with Iron Honor at 19-1 as the second choice. Also catching attention is Taj Mahal, a 20-1 longshot, who shares a half-brother connection with Iron Honor. These odds make for some intriguing betting possibilities, especially for those looking to find value beyond the favorite.
To help navigate the field, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions. Demling is no stranger to success—he nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order and has correctly picked 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners. His streak includes hitting the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023, followed by another trifecta in 2024. Most recently, he called Journalism as the 2025 Preakness winner. If you've been following his picks, you know the kind of edge he brings to the table.
One of Demling's most intriguing calls for this year is Taj Mahal. Despite being a double-digit longshot at 20-1, the horse has a story worth watching. Taj Mahal started his career under Bob Baffert, the all-time winningest trainer in Preakness history, before moving to Brittany Russell, who has dominated Maryland trainers in wins year after year. That combination of elite training pedigree and local success could make Taj Mahal a surprise contender.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just getting into horse racing, the 2026 Preakness Stakes offers plenty of drama and opportunity. From the change in venue to the deep field of contenders, this is a race you won't want to miss. And with Demling's expert insights, you'll have a head start on making smart picks for the big day.