The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, and all eyes are on the post draw results from Monday. With Golden Tempo out of the field, the race is wide open—and one expert who has called 11 Preakness winners is ready to share his top picks.
Jody Demling, a seasoned horse racing analyst from SportsLine, has a proven track record. He nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order, and has correctly picked 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners—including 2023, where he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He also called Journalism as the 2025 Preakness champion. If you’ve followed his insights on horse racing betting sites, you know he’s a name to trust.
This year’s Preakness Stakes takes place Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park, with post time set for 6:50 p.m. ET. The 1 3/16-mile distance is the same as the Louisiana Derby, where Chip Honcho—currently at 5-1 odds—finished fifth in his longest race yet. That’s a key factor for bettors weighing his chances. Chip Honcho placed in the top two in four of his first five starts, but that recent performance raises questions about stamina.
Leading the odds board is Iron Honor at 9-2, followed by a cluster of single-digit contenders: Incredibolt, Taj Mahal, and Chip Honcho all sit at 5-1, with Ocelli at 6-1 and Napoleon Solo at 8-1. Demling is particularly high on Napoleon Solo, despite the horse finishing fifth in both starts this season. As a juvenile, Napoleon Solo was undefeated in two races, and his bloodlines are impressive—sired by Liam’s Map, a multiple G1 winner including the 2015 Breeders’ Cup, and with Scat Daddy as his damsire, another multi-time G1 champion.
For those looking to get in on the action, don’t miss the latest DK Horse promo code, which offers a chance to win a share of $151,000 with just a $5 wager on the winning horse. Demling’s full 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and predictions are available exclusively at SportsLine—perfect for fine-tuning your race-day strategy.
Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, this year’s Preakness promises plenty of drama. Stay tuned for post positions, and may your bets run strong!