The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, as historic Pimlico Race Course undergoes long-awaited renovations. With Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo opting out of the second jewel, Justify's 2018 Triple Crown sweep remains untouched—and will stay that way for at least another year.

Despite the Derby winner's absence, Gotham Stakes victor Iron Honor leads a compelling 14-horse field as the morning-line favorite at 9-2 odds. He's closely followed by a talented pack including Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, Taj Mahal, and Ocelli, all listed at 6-1 or shorter. Before placing any wagers, you'll want to check out the expert predictions from SportsLine's elite horse racing analyst Jody Demling.

Demling is no stranger to the winner's circle. He's called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect trifecta hit in 2023 and another trifecta in 2024. He also correctly predicted Journalism as the 2025 Preakness champion. His track record extends to the Kentucky Derby as well, where he nailed the top three finishers in the correct order in 2025. Followers of his picks on horse racing betting sites have seen serious returns.

Now that the 2026 Preakness Stakes field is set, Demling has released his full betting picks and predictions at SportsLine. One of his most surprising calls? He has Taj Mahal outside the top five on his projected leaderboard—despite the colt being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1. Taj Mahal is a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all wins coming at Laurel Park. That home-track comfort is a big reason he's among the favorites. However, Demling questions the level of competition he's faced, noting Taj Mahal hasn't gone up against the caliber of horses seen on the Derby trail.

For the full breakdown and Demling's top picks, head over to SportsLine. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some excitement to race day, these expert insights could make all the difference.