The countdown to the 151st Preakness Stakes is officially on, and this year's race promises plenty of excitement even without a Triple Crown on the line. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md.—as Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations—the field is packed with talented contenders looking to make their mark.

While Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be in the lineup, meaning Justify (2018) remains the most recent Triple Crown champion for at least another year, the 2026 Preakness Stakes field is far from weak. Gotham Stakes winner Iron Honor leads the pack as the 9-2 favorite, but he's got company: Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, Taj Mahal, and Ocelli are all sitting at 6-1 or lower, setting the stage for a competitive and unpredictable race.

For those looking to get in on the action, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling has released his 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets. Demling is no stranger to success on the biggest stage—he's correctly called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect hit on the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023. He also nailed the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness and picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. If you've been following his picks on horse racing betting sites, you know his track record speaks for itself.

One of Demling's most intriguing calls this year? He's keeping Taj Mahal outside his top five projected finishers, despite the colt being tied with Chip Honcho and Incredibolt at 5-1 odds. Taj Mahal enters the race a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all wins coming at Laurel Park—a clear advantage on his home track. However, Demling questions the level of competition he's faced so far, noting that he hasn't gone up against the same caliber of horses that Derby trail contenders have. That uncertainty has Demling leaving him out of his early top-three predictions.

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan looking for a little edge, Demling's full 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and analysis are available now at SportsLine. And don't forget—you can claim the latest DK Horse promo code to win a share of $151,000 when you wager $5 on the winning horse. With a deep field and plenty of storylines, this year's Preakness is shaping up to be one for the books.