The countdown to the 2026 Preakness Stakes is nearly over. With just over 24 hours to post time, the second jewel of the Triple Crown is set for Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, as legendary Pimlico Race Course undergoes its long-awaited renovations. The starting gate opens at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET, and while Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo has opted out—meaning we’ll go another year without a Triple Crown champion (the last being Justify in 2018)—this year’s field is anything but thin.
Leading the pack is Gotham Stakes winner Iron Honor, sitting as the 9-2 favorite in a competitive 14-horse lineup. Hot on his heels are Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, Taj Mahal, and Ocelli, all with odds of 6-1 or better. But before placing any bets, savvy fans are turning to SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Jody Demling for his 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets.
Demling is a fixture in the racing world, known for his uncanny ability to read the track. He nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order and has called an impressive 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners. His 2023 performance was legendary, hitting the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He followed that up with a trifecta in the 2024 Preakness and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. Anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites has seen serious returns.
For 2026, Demling has already released his full analysis—and it includes a surprise. Despite Taj Mahal being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1 alongside Incredibolt and Chip Honcho, Demling has him outside his top five projected finishers. Taj Mahal is a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all wins coming at Laurel Park, giving him a clear comfort advantage on this track. However, Demling questions the level of competition he’s faced. Without the Derby trail seasoning that other contenders bring, Taj Mahal may not have the résumé to crack the top three in Demling’s eyes.
If you’re looking for an edge, Demling’s full 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and predictions are available exclusively at SportsLine. And for those ready to wager, don’t forget to claim the latest DK Horse promo code to win a share of $151,000 with just a $5 bet on the winning horse.
Whether you’re backing the favorite Iron Honor or hunting for value, this year’s Preakness promises drama, speed, and a chance to be part of racing history. Get your picks ready—and your gear, too. Because nothing says race day like showing up in style.