The 2026 Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday, May 16, and while the Triple Crown dream is already dashed—Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo was officially scratched on May 6—the middle jewel promises plenty of drama at a new venue. Due to ongoing construction at Pimlico Downs, the race moves to Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., giving local horses a unique home-track advantage.
Early odds have Crude Velocity leading the pack as the 4-1 favorite, but the field is wide open. Other contenders include Iron Honor at 19-1, Taj Mahal at 20-1, and Cherokee Nation at 22-1. With no clear superstar, this year's Preakness is shaping up as a handicapper's dream—and a perfect opportunity for savvy bettors to find value.
Enter Jody Demling, SportsLine's elite horse racing expert, who has been on an absolute tear. Demling nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order and has correctly called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners. His 2023 Preakness picks hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta, and he followed that up with a trifecta in 2024 and a correct call on Journalism as the 2025 winner. Anyone following his picks has been cashing in consistently.
For the 2026 Preakness, Demling is sharing his full betting card, including a surprising longshot play that could pay off big. He's high on Taj Mahal, a 20-1 colt trained by Brittany T. Russell. The son of Derby winner Nyquist is a perfect 3-for-3 in his short career, with all three wins coming at Laurel Park—including the Federico Tesio Stakes and the Miracle Wood Stakes. "Trainer Brittney Russell will saddle the local star; the son of Derby winner Nyquist is 3-for-3 with all of his races at Laurel Park. A home field advantage?" Demling asks. He projects Taj Mahal as a top-four contender and notes that the colt offers far better value than similarly priced horses like Cherokee Nation.
With the Preakness moving to a new track and the favorite spot wide open, this year's race is full of possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking for some Derby Day excitement, Demling's expert analysis could be the edge you need to find the winner.