The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a race unlike any other, and not just because of the horses. For the first time in its storied history, The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown is moving from Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park, bringing with it a dramatically quieter atmosphere. With attendance capped at just 4,800 patrons—compared to last year's crowd of roughly 63,000—this year's event offers a unique edge for many in the field. Most of these horses are accustomed to racing in front of much smaller gatherings, so the reduced noise and crowd energy could level the playing field and help them run their best races.

At the top of the odds board, Iron Honor enters as the 9-2 favorite, making his first start outside of Aqueduct Racetrack. Not far behind are several intriguing contenders, including Taj Mahal (5-1), who happens to be a half-brother of Iron Honor, as well as Chip Honcho and Incredibolt, both also sitting at 5-1. The 151st running of the Preakness will go to post on Saturday at 7:01 p.m. ET, and with so many factors in play—from the new venue to the smaller field dynamics—making smart picks requires more than just luck.

For those looking to get in on the action, there's a great opportunity to win a share of $151,000 by wagering just $5 on the winning horse using the latest DK Horse promo code. But before you place your bets, it pays to understand the race's rich history. The Preakness has been run at seven different distances over its 151 editions, settling at its current 1 3/16 miles in 1925. The inaugural race in 1873 was a grueling 1 1/2 miles, while the shortest version came in 1909-10 at just one mile. This year marks the 102nd running at the current distance, with Secretariat's blazing 1:53.00 in 1973 still standing as the time record to beat.

With all that history and a new venue to consider, having expert guidance can make all the difference. That's where Jody Demling comes in. A fixture in the horse racing world, Demling has been writing about, talking about, and betting on races for years. His track record speaks for itself: he correctly called the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in the exact order, and he has picked 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a perfect winner call in 2023. Whether you're building exacta, trifecta, or superfecta tickets, Demling's insights can help you navigate this unique Preakness Stakes and find the horses ready to shine under the Laurel Park lights.