The countdown to the 2026 Preakness Stakes is on, and this year’s race is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown. Several top-tier horses that qualified for the Kentucky Derby opted to skip the "Run for the Roses" in favor of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, setting the stage for a fresh and competitive field at Laurel Park this Saturday.
Among the notable entrants are Iron Honor, Chip Honcho, and Talkin, all of whom bypassed the Derby to focus on the Preakness. The race offers a unique challenge: it’s 1/16 mile shorter than the Derby and limited to just 14 horses (compared to the Derby’s 20). That means a tighter, faster, and more tactical contest—and connections of these horses will soon find out if their strategic pivot pays off.
Iron Honor enters as the 9-2 favorite, but he’s not running away with the spotlight. Right on his heels are three thoroughbreds tied at 5-1 odds: Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal. Talkin, a 20-1 longshot looking for his first win since August, adds an element of surprise. With such a balanced field, every bettor is searching for an edge—and that’s where the experts come in.
Enter Jody Demling, a fixture in the horse racing world and a trusted voice for fans and bettors alike. Demling has been writing, talking, and betting on races for years, and his track record speaks volumes. He correctly predicted the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order, and he’s called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners. In 2023, he nailed the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He followed that up with a trifecta hit in the 2024 Preakness and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. Anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites has likely been cashing in.
Now, with the 2026 Preakness Stakes field finalized, Demling has released his betting picks and predictions. One of his most surprising calls? He has Taj Mahal finishing outside the top five on his projected leaderboard, despite the horse being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1. That’s a bold move, especially considering Taj Mahal is a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all wins coming at Laurel Park. That comfort level on this track is a major factor—but Demling sees something others might be missing.
Whether you’re backing the favorite, taking a shot on a longshot, or looking for an exacta play, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises high drama and big payouts. For Demling’s full breakdown, including his best bets and predictions, head over to SportsLine. And don’t forget to check out the latest DK Horse promo code to win a share of $151,000 when you wager $5 on the winning horse. Post time is Saturday at Laurel Park—don’t miss it.