The race for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is heating up, and with the post draw now official, it's time to look at the contenders vying for glory at Laurel Park on Saturday, May 16. While morning-line favorite Iron Honor (9-2) leads the pack, the path to the winner's circle is anything but straightforward for the Chad Brown-trained Nyquist colt.
Iron Honor burst onto the scene with a maiden-breaking win at Aqueduct last December, followed by a clean victory in the Gotham Stakes that had Triple Crown whispers swirling. But his last outing in the Wood Memorial raised eyebrows. Sent off as the favorite, he drew the far outside post and was compromised throughout, finishing a disappointing seventh. That performance has left the door open for challengers.
Right on Iron Honor's heels are three horses sharing 5-1 odds: Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt. Each brings their own credentials to the starting gate, making this one of the most competitive Preakness fields in recent memory.
For those looking for an edge, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes picks and predictions. Demling is no stranger to success in this race—he's called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect trifecta hit in 2024 and nailing Journalism as the 2025 winner. He also correctly predicted the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in order. Anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites knows his track record speaks for itself.
One of Demling's most intriguing long-shot picks for 2026 is Napoleon Solo at 8-1. The colt impressed in 2025, breaking his maiden at Saratoga in August and winning the Grade-I Champagne Stakes in October. However, his 2026 form has been less stellar, with fifth-place finishes in both the Wood Memorial and Fountain of Youth Stakes. Demling isn't discouraged, though, and sees Napoleon Solo as a top-5 contender capable of making a late charge.
With Golden Tempo notably absent from the field following Monday's post draw, the race is wide open. Whether you're backing the favorite or taking a flyer on a longer shot, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises plenty of drama. For Demling's full betting picks and predictions, head over to SportsLine and get ready for a thrilling day at the races.