The countdown to the second jewel of the Triple Crown is officially on, and this year's Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one for the history books. On Saturday, May 16, the gates will swing open at 6:50 p.m. ET for the 151st running of the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans," but in a major twist, the action is moving to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, as Pimlico Race Course undergoes construction. This marks the first time the Preakness won't be held at its historic Baltimore home, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling race.
One of the biggest storylines? Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will sit this one out, leaving the field wide open for a new champion to emerge. Leading the pack as the 9-2 favorite is Iron Honor, but he's got plenty of company at the top. Right on his heels are Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt, all sitting at 5-1 odds. And don't overlook Ocelli, who finished third at Churchill Downs and is lurking at 6-1. With the post positions now set, the stage is perfect for a surprise contender to steal the spotlight.
Enter Michelle Yu, a horse racing expert from SportsLine who's been on an absolute tear. She kicked off 2025 by nailing Citizen Bull's win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, and she's been red-hot ever since—calling victories for Forever Young (Saudi Cup), Journalism (San Felipe), Sandman (Arkansas Derby), and Mindframe (Churchill Downs Stakes). She even hit the exacta in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and the Fierceness-Journalism exacta in the Pacific Classic. Most recently, in March 2026, she crushed the Renegade-Silent Tactic-Taptastic trifecta in the Arkansas Derby. Now, she's turning her sharp eye to the Preakness, and her picks are turning heads.
Yu's biggest surprise? She's all in on Taj Mahal, the 5-1 second favorite who's never raced anywhere but Laurel Park—and he's undefeated there, winning all three of his starts. "This undefeated Brittany Russell trainee is certainly a horse for the course," Yu told SportsLine. "He's not inching out these wins; he's winning going away. He cost more than $500,000 at auction, so expectations have always surrounded him, and so far he's lived up to them. Saturday will be his biggest class test, but he deserves the opportunity. A woman won the Derby; maybe a woman wins the Preakness too?"
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some excitement to your race-day gear, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises heart-pounding action. For Yu's full betting picks and predictions, head over to SportsLine now. And don't forget—there's a special DK Horse promo code available that could win you a share of $151,000 if you wager just $5 on the winning horse. It's time to get in on the fun.