The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a race like no other. For the first time in its storied history, the "Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown" is moving to a new home—Laurel Park in Maryland—while legendary trainer Bob Baffert watches from the sidelines. With renovations underway at Pimlico Race Course, the 151st running of the Preakness shifts about 30 miles southwest, bringing a fresh energy to the event.
Baffert, a record eight-time Preakness winner with four victories since 2010, will have no starter in the race for the first time since his 2022 suspension. That opens the door for a wide-open field, led by morning-line favorite Iron Honor at 9-2 odds. The race is set for Saturday, May 16, with a post time of 6:50 p.m. ET, and fans are already buzzing about the possibilities.
If you're looking for an edge, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling is the man to trust. Demling has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect 2023 run where he nailed the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He also hit the trifecta in 2024 and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. Just last year, he called the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby in the exact order. With a track record like that, his 2026 Preakness Stakes picks are worth a close look.
One of Demling's most intriguing selections? Napoleon Solo at 8-1 odds. Despite drawing post No. 10—a position that hasn't produced a Preakness winner since Real Quiet in 1998—the Chad Summers-trained colt has caught Demling's eye in what he calls a "wide open" field. Napoleon Solo won his first two career starts but has since posted back-to-back fifth-place finishes, including a solid showing in the Wood Memorial on April 4. Demling believes this longshot has the talent to surprise the field.
Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, the 2026 Preakness offers plenty of drama. With a new venue, a favorite to watch, and a potential upset brewing, this year's race is one you won't want to miss. For expert picks and predictions, be sure to check out Demling's full analysis—and get ready for an unforgettable day at the track.