The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Maryland, marking the second jewel of the Triple Crown. This year's race comes exactly two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, with the Belmont Stakes following three weeks later. However, there will be no Triple Crown bid this year, as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness.

That opens the door for a wide-open field of 14 horses, with six contenders carrying single-digit odds. The morning-line favorite is Iron Honor at 9-2, but he faces stiff competition from Taj Mahal (5-1), Chip Honcho (5-1), and Napoleon Solo (8-1). Before placing your bets, it pays to check the expert analysis from SportsLine's Gene Menez, a former Sports Illustrated handicapper with a proven track record.

Menez has been on fire in recent years. In 2024, he correctly identified 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan as a live contender in the Kentucky Derby, and last year he nailed the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout. His 2015 Kentucky Derby superfecta call (including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah) paid $1,268.20 on a $2 bet. For the 2026 Preakness, Menez has one surprising take: he's fading the favorite, Iron Honor. While the horse won his first two starts at shorter distances, he struggled when asked to go longer last time out.

With a competitive field and no clear superstar, the 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a handicapper's dream. Whether you're looking for a value play or a confident pick to anchor your bets, Menez's insights could give you the edge you need on race day.