The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 16 at 6:50 p.m. ET, and this year's race brings a major twist: for the first time, it will be held at Laurel Park in Maryland while Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations. The biggest headline? Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo has withdrawn, dashing hopes for a Triple Crown bid this year and leaving the field wide open for a new champion to emerge.

In the latest odds, Iron Honor leads the pack as the betting favorite at 9-2, but he's facing stiff competition. Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt are all close behind at 5-1, while Ocelli sits at 6-1. With such a tight lineup, handicappers and fans alike are looking for an edge—and that's where expert analysis comes in.

SportsLine's premier horse racing expert, Gene Menez, has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes picks and predictions. A former Sports Illustrated reporter and editor with nearly 14 years of experience covering the sport, Menez has a proven track record. He correctly picked Super Saver to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby, nailed the 2015 Derby superfecta (which paid $1,268.20 for a $2 bet), and hit a nearly $6,900 Pick 4 in 2017. More recently, he called 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan in the 2024 Derby and crushed the exacta and trifecta last year for a $1,045 payout.

One of Menez's boldest calls this year? He's fading the favorite, Iron Honor. While the horse won his first two starts at shorter distances (¾ mile and 1 mile), he struggled badly when stepping up to 1⅛ miles in the Wood Memorial, finishing far back. That raises serious questions about his stamina for the Preakness's 1 3/16-mile distance.

For bettors looking to get in on the action, there's also a special offer: use the latest DK Horse promo code to wager $5 on the winning horse and earn a share of $151,000.

Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for a smart play, Menez's full analysis and picks for the 2026 Preakness Stakes are available now. Don't miss your chance to ride with a winner.