The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in horse racing history, and the ultimate prize—the iconic Woodlawn Vase—is once again up for grabs. Valued at a staggering $1 million back in 1983, this trophy, often called the most valuable in sports, is worth even more today when adjusted for inflation. While the original vase is presented ceremoniously, the winning horse's connections will take home smaller replicas to cherish forever.

This year, all eyes are on Iron Honor, the 9-2 favorite trained by Chad Brown, as he leads a talented field into Saturday's race at Laurel Park. But he's not alone at the top—Chip Honcho, Taj Mahal, and Incredibolt are all close behind at 5-1 odds, making for a competitive and unpredictable showdown.

Before you place your bets, it pays to listen to an expert. Jody Demling, a fixture in the horse racing world, has an incredible track record. He's 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 2024 and correctly predicted Journalism as the 2025 Preakness winner. If you've followed his picks on horse racing betting sites, you know the kind of edge he provides.

For the 2026 Preakness, Demling has shared his predictions, and he's already making waves with one surprising call: Taj Mahal, despite being undefeated in three career starts—all at Laurel Park—is projected to finish outside the top five on Demling's leaderboard. While Taj Mahal's comfort on this track has made him a favorite, Demling questions the level of competition he's faced so far.

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the Preakness Stakes is always a race to remember. For Demling's full 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, including his best bets and predictions, head over to SportsLine. And don't forget to claim the latest DK Horse promo code for a chance to win a share of $151,000 when you wager just $5 on the winning horse. The starting gate is open—get ready for a race that could change everything.