The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one for the history books—and not just because of the new venue. For the third time in five years, the Kentucky Derby winner will be sitting this one out. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has decided to give Golden Tempo a well-deserved rest rather than chase a Triple Crown, leaving the field wide open for a new champion to emerge.
This year's race marks a major shift in tradition. While Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The Grade I stakes race is set for Saturday, May 16, with post time at 6:50 p.m. ET—and the excitement is already building.
Following Monday's post draw, the morning-line odds have Iron Honor as the 9-2 favorite. Close behind are Taj Mahal, Incredibolt, and Chip Honcho, all at 5-1, with Ocelli sitting at 6-1. But the real story might be the longshots—and that's where expert analysis comes in.
Jody Demling, a longtime fixture in the horse racing world, has an uncanny track record. He's called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a stunning trifecta in 2024 and a perfect pick of Journalism in 2025. He also nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order. For anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites, the results have been impressive.
One of Demling's most intriguing 2026 Preakness Stakes picks is Napoleon Solo, despite his 8-1 odds. The son of Liam's Map broke his maiden at Saratoga last August and went on to win the Grade I Champagne Stakes in October. Though he's had a slower 2026—finishing fifth in both the Wood Memorial and Fountain of Youth Stakes—Demling isn't counting him out. He believes Napoleon Solo's early speed and front-running style could make him a top-five contender at Laurel Park.
With the field set and the odds posted, this year's Preakness is shaping up to be a race full of surprises. Whether you're backing the favorite or looking for a value play, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises thrilling action from start to finish.