The 2026 Preakness Stakes field is officially set following Monday evening's post-position draw, and the excitement is already building for one of horse racing's most storied events. While construction continues at Pimlico Race Course, this year's "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" will take place at Laurel Park in Maryland on Saturday, with a post time of 6:50 p.m. ET.
Fans who followed the Kentucky Derby will recognize several familiar names in the lineup. Most notably, Ocelli—who surprised many with a third-place finish at Churchill Downs—is back for another shot at glory. Other Derby runners making the trip include Incredibolt and Robusta, adding depth and intrigue to an already competitive field.
But the favorite's role belongs to Iron Honor, who sits atop the morning-line odds at 9-2. Incredibolt follows closely at 5-1, while Ocelli checks in at 6-1. Robusta, meanwhile, enters as a longshot at 30-1—a reminder that in horse racing, anything can happen on race day.
For those looking to get an edge, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets. Demling is no stranger to success in this race—he has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect hit on the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023. He also nailed Journalism as the 2025 Preakness winner and correctly predicted the top three finishers in last year's Kentucky Derby. Anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites knows his track record speaks for itself.
One of Demling's most surprising calls this year involves Taj Mahal, who comes into the race undefeated at 3-for-3 with all wins at Laurel Park. That home-track advantage has made him a co-favorite at 5-1 alongside Chip Honcho and Incredibolt. However, Demling projects Taj Mahal to finish outside the top five, citing concerns about the level of competition he has faced so far. While his comfort at Laurel Park is undeniable, many Derby-trail horses have faced far tougher fields, and Demling believes that experience gap could prove decisive.
Whether you're backing a favorite like Iron Honor or taking a flier on a longshot, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises plenty of drama. With Demling's expert analysis now available, it's the perfect time to study the field, place your bets, and get ready for another unforgettable chapter in Triple Crown history.