The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, and this year's field brings a fascinating mix of proven contenders and rising stars. Taking place Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park, the race features two notable half-siblings: Iron Honor and Taj Mahal, both sons of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. Iron Honor, the morning-line favorite at 9-2, enters after a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Wood Memorial, but his earlier Gotham Stakes victory shows real talent. Meanwhile, Taj Mahal has been flawless so far, winning all three of his starts—though he has yet to face Graded Stakes competition.

The post draw has set the odds tight: Incredibolt and Chip Honcho join Taj Mahal at 5-1, while Ocelli sits at 6-1. But before placing your bets, it pays to listen to an expert who has been on fire. Jody Demling, a fixture in horse racing analysis, has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners—including hitting the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023. He nailed the trifecta in 2024 and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. For 2026, Demling is sharing his full predictions and best bets.

One of his most intriguing picks? He's high on Ocelli, despite the colt being winless in seven career starts. Ocelli was a massive 70-1 longshot at the Kentucky Derby but surged to a strong third-place finish, posting a speed figure just one point behind the top two horses. In a lighter Preakness field, Demling expects Ocelli's momentum to carry him into serious contention. "He's still a maiden, but ran third in the Wood Memorial and third in the Derby," Demling noted. With that kind of late-charging power, don't be surprised if Ocelli turns heads on Saturday.