The 2026 Preakness Stakes is nearly here, and the excitement is building for the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans." Post time is set for 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, which serves as the temporary home for this year's race while Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations. With a $2 million purse and a distance of 1 3/16 miles, this Grade I event is the shortest leg of the Triple Crown. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be in the field, leaving the door open for new contenders.
The morning line odds have Iron Honor as the 9-2 favorite, but the competition is fierce. Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal are all listed at 5-1, making for a wide-open race. Before placing your bets, you'll want to check out the expert predictions from SportsLine's Michelle Yu, who has a proven track record of picking winners.
Yu started 2025 strong by correctly backing Citizen Bull in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. She also nailed wins for Forever Young in the Saudi Cup, Journalism in the San Felipe Stakes, Sandman in the Arkansas Derby, and Mindframe in the Churchill Downs Stakes. Her exacta hit in the 2025 Kentucky Derby was followed by a Fierceness-Journalism exacta in the Pacific Classic, and just this past March, she scored a trifecta with Renegade, Silent Tactic, and Taptastic in the Arkansas Derby.
One of Yu's most intriguing picks for the 2026 Preakness is Taj Mahal, a 5-1 second favorite who has never raced outside of Laurel Park. That's not a weakness—it's a strength. The undefeated colt has won all three of his starts over this track, making him a true "horse for the course." Trained by Brittany Russell, Taj Mahal cost over $500,000 at auction, and he's lived up to the hype so far. "He isn't inching out these wins; he's winning going away," Yu said. "A woman won the Derby; maybe one wins the Preakness too?" It's a bold call that could pay off big for bettors looking for value.
For the full list of Yu's 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and predictions, head over to SportsLine now. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, this race promises plenty of drama and opportunity.