The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing editions in recent memory, and horse racing fans are buzzing with anticipation. This Saturday, May 16, the second leg of the Triple Crown will take center stage at Laurel Park in Maryland, with the starting gate set to open at 6:50 p.m. ET for the storied "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans."

This year's race comes with a twist: there will be no Triple Crown on the line. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be competing, leaving the field wide open and full of possibilities. In fact, only three horses from the Derby field—Great White, Incredibolt, and Ocelot—will make the journey to Laurel Park. Great White, who was a late scratch at Churchill Downs, will be looking for redemption and a clean start this time around.

Leading the pack as the 9-2 favorite is Iron Honor, but the competition is fierce. Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal are all sitting at 5-1 odds, making this a tightly contested race that could go any direction. If you're looking to get in on the action, don't forget to check out the latest DK Horse promo code, which offers a chance to win a share of $151,000 with just a $5 wager on the winning horse.

For those seeking an edge, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Michelle Yu has been on an absolute tear. Her 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a winning pick on Citizen Bull in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, a spot-on prediction for Forever Young in the Saudi Cup, and a perfect call on Journalism in the San Felipe Stakes. She also nailed Sandman's victory in the Arkansas Derby and Mindframe's win in the Churchill Downs Stakes. Her hot streak continued into the 2025 Kentucky Derby, where she hit the exacta, and she followed that up with a Fierceness-Journalism exacta in the Pacific Classic. Most recently, in March 2026, she locked in a trifecta with Renegade, Silent Tactic, and Taptastic in the Arkansas Derby.

Now, with the post positions set and the odds board finalized, Yu has released her 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions, and one name stands out: Taj Mahal. This Brittany Russell-trained colt is generating serious buzz, and for good reason. Taj Mahal is a perfect 3 for 3 in his career at Laurel Park, a stat that cannot be ignored. "He is certainly a horse for the course, having notched all three lifetime wins over this track," Yu explains. Starting from the inside rail—a position that has produced 12 Preakness winners historically—Taj Mahal is coming off a dominant 8¼-length victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes. "He isn't inching out these wins," Yu adds, "he's winning going away."

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan looking to add some excitement to your weekend, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises drama, speed, and plenty of storylines. Head over to SportsLine to see all of Yu's picks and make your move before the gates open.