The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. ET at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. This year's race marks a historic shift as it moves from the iconic but aging Pimlico Race Course, currently undergoing a $400 million reconstruction in Baltimore. While the setting may be different, the excitement remains the same—and with a field full of talent, this year's "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" promises to deliver.
Iron Honor enters as the 9-2 morning-line favorite, but the competition is fierce. Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt are all listed at 5-1, with Ocelli at 6-1. Napoleon Solo sits at 8-1, while The Hell We Did, Great White, and Pretty Boy Miah round out the longer odds at 15-1. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is among several top contenders skipping this leg of the Triple Crown, leaving the door wide open for a new star to emerge.
For those looking to place a winning bet, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling has a proven track record that demands attention. Demling has correctly called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a stunning 2023 performance where he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He followed that up by nailing the trifecta in 2024 and correctly picking Journalism as the 2025 winner. He also hit the top three finishers in last year's Kentucky Derby in exact order. Simply put, Demling knows this race.
One of Demling's most surprising picks for 2026 is his skepticism about Taj Mahal. Despite being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1 and boasting a perfect 3-for-3 career record—all at Laurel Park—Demling has the colt outside his top five projected finishers. While Taj Mahal's comfort on this track is undeniable, Demling questions the level of competition he has faced. Without the rigorous Derby trail experience, Taj Mahal may not be ready for the deeper field he'll encounter on Saturday.
As for the favorite, Iron Honor, Demling has strong opinions there as well. He sees the 9-2 favorite as a legitimate contender but warns bettors not to overlook some of the longer-priced horses who could spring an upset. With a wide-open field and the race taking place at an unfamiliar venue for many horses, this year's Preakness has all the ingredients for a thrilling—and potentially profitable—evening.
Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for an edge, Demling's full 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions, including his exacta, trifecta, and superfecta picks, are available now. Don't miss your chance to bet with confidence on one of horse racing's most exciting events.