The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set to gallop into history this Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, with post time scheduled for approximately 6:50 p.m. ET. This marks the 151st running of the prestigious second leg of the Triple Crown, and for the first time, it will be held at Laurel Park due to ongoing construction at the historic Pimlico Race Course. While the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo—whose connections opted to skip the race—means there will be no Triple Crown contender this year, the field is packed with talent and intrigue.
Leading the pack is Iron Honor, the 9-2 morning-line favorite, fresh off a victory in the Gotham Stakes. But the odds are tight, with four other horses sitting at 6-1 or lower, including Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Ocelli. It's shaping up to be a competitive and unpredictable race, perfect for fans looking to place a wager or simply enjoy the thrill of the sport.
For those seeking an edge, SportsLine's horse racing expert Gene Menez has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets. Menez, a former Sports Illustrated reporter and editor with nearly 14 years of experience covering horse racing, has a proven track record of success. He correctly picked Super Saver to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby, nailed the 2015 Kentucky Derby superfecta (which paid $1,268.20 for a $2 bet), and hit a Pick 4 in 2017 that paid nearly $6,900 on a $1 wager. More recently, he identified 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan as a live contender in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and delivered a $1,045 exacta and trifecta payout in last year's race.
One of Menez's most surprising picks this year? He's fading the favorite, Iron Honor. Despite winning two of three career starts, Iron Honor finished seventh in his last outing at the Wood Memorial, raising questions about his form. Menez believes there's better value elsewhere in the field, and his full analysis—including which horses to back and which to avoid—is available for those looking to make informed bets.
Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises excitement, drama, and the chance to witness the next chapter of horse racing history. Don't forget to check out the latest DK Horse promo code for a chance to win a share of $151,000 with a $5 wager on the winning horse. Place your bets, grab your gear, and get ready for a thrilling day at the races.