The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races of the year, with a wide-open field of 14 talented 3-year-olds set to compete at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. This year's race, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with post time at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET, takes on added intrigue as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo has decided to skip the event. That leaves the Triple Crown trail wide open for a new champion to emerge.
What makes this year's Preakness particularly fascinating is the pace scenario. Ten of the 14 horses in the field prefer to race on or near the lead, which means the early fractions are likely to be blistering fast. For savvy bettors, that sets up perfectly for late-running closers who can take advantage of a tiring front pack. Identifying the right horse with a strong finishing kick could be the key to cashing in on your Preakness Stakes bets.
Iron Honor (9-2) tops the morning-line odds as the favorite, trained by the powerhouse Chad Brown and ridden by star jockey Flavien Prat. But the competition is fierce. Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt are all listed at 5-1, while Ocelli (6-1) and Napoleon Solo (8-1) round out the top contenders. With so many horses capable of winning, this is a race that demands expert insight.
That's where Jody Demling comes in. A legendary figure in the horse racing world, Demling has been writing about, talking about, and betting on races for years. His track record is nothing short of remarkable. He called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including a stunning 2023 performance where he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He also nailed the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. Anyone who has followed his picks on horse racing betting sites knows the value of his expertise.
One of Demling's most intriguing 2026 Preakness Stakes picks is Napoleon Solo (8-1), trained by Chad Summers. Despite having the sixth-best odds and starting from post No. 10, Demling sees something special in this colt. With his deep knowledge of pace dynamics and horse form, Demling believes Napoleon Solo could be the surprise of the race. For his full list of 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets, including his top picks, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta plays, be sure to check out his insights over at SportsLine.
As you gear up for race day, remember that the Preakness is always full of surprises, and this year's wide-open field promises plenty of drama. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking for some excitement, this is a race you won't want to miss. And for those looking to get in on the action, don't forget to claim the latest DK Horse promo code for a chance to win a share of $151,000 when you wager $5 on the winning horse.