The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one for the history books—but not for the usual reasons. This year, the iconic race moves from its longtime home at Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park, drawing a smaller crowd and a field that notably lacks Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. While the Triple Crown calendar itself may be shifting in the years ahead, one tradition remains rock solid: the thrill of betting on the second jewel of horse racing's most famous series.
At Monday’s post position draw, the betting buzz was immediate. Iron Honor emerged as the morning-line favorite at 9-2, but the real story is how tightly bunched the top contenders are. To get the inside track on this year’s wagering landscape, we caught up with Johnny Avello, director of race and sports operations at DraftKings, who shared his expert take on what makes this Preakness unique.
A Field Full of Questions
When asked why so many horses are clustered at short odds, Avello pointed to the Kentucky Derby hangover. Only three Derby runners—Ocelli (third place at 70-1), Incredibolt (sixth at 23-1), and Robusta (14th at 70-1)—are making the trip to Laurel. Their morning-line odds tell the tale: Incredibolt sits at 5-1, Ocelli at 6-1, and Robusta at a distant 30-1. "That alone tells you this is a much weaker field they’re facing," Avello explains. The remaining contenders, including Iron Honor, Napoleon Solo, Chip Honcho, and Talkin, have all faced tougher competition but with limited success, making this year’s race a true puzzle for bettors.
Betting Appetite: Steady as She Goes
With Golden Tempo sitting this one out, some might wonder if the betting handle will take a hit. Avello isn’t worried. "All race fans are excited at this time of the year, hoping a horse can win both the Derby and Preakness and have at least a shot at the Triple Crown in the Belmont," he says. The move to Laurel Park? Avello believes it won’t dampen enthusiasm either. At DraftKings, optimism is high—and with DK Horse available for Maryland bettors, the action is expected to be as lively as ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for a flutter, this Preakness offers a wide-open field and plenty of value. Check the latest odds on DK Horse and get ready for a race that’s rewriting the script.