The excitement is building for the 2026 Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown, set for Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park in Maryland. With a post time of 6:50 p.m. ET, this $2 million race promises plenty of drama—especially since the reigning Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, will not be running. It's the second straight year the Derby champion has skipped the Preakness, following last year's absence by Sovereignty. That leaves the door wide open for a new star to emerge.

Leading the pack is morning-line favorite Iron Honor at 9-2 odds, but he's far from a sure thing. Hot on his heels are Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt, all at 5-1, with Ocelli close behind at 6-1. With such a competitive field, picking a winner is no easy task—but that's where expert analysis comes in.

Enter Gene Menez, a former Sports Illustrated reporter and editor with nearly 14 years of horse racing experience. Menez has a proven track record of spotting winners. In 2010, he correctly predicted Super Saver to win the Kentucky Derby. In 2015, he nailed the Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund, Frosted), paying out $1,268.20 on a $2 bet. In 2017, he hit a Pick 4 worth nearly $6,900. More recently, he called 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and cashed a $1,045 exacta and trifecta combo last year.

For the 2026 Preakness, Menez has one surprising take: he's fading the favorite, Iron Honor. While Iron Honor has won two of three career starts, Menez sees vulnerabilities that could open the door for another contender. His full picks and best bets are available now, offering a strategic edge for anyone looking to wager on this thrilling race.

Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or just getting into the sport, the Preakness Stakes is a must-watch event—and with the right insights, it could also be a rewarding one. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action this Saturday.