The stage is set for the 151st Preakness Stakes, and this year's field is packed with drama, familiar contenders, and a few surprising twists. Post positions have been drawn, and while the Triple Crown spotlight shifts to Laurel Park this Saturday—about 30 miles south of the usual Pimlico venue—the excitement is already building.
Leading the charge from the Kentucky Derby is Ocelli, who delivered a strong third-place finish in the Run for the Roses. He's joined by fellow Derby alums Incredibolt and Robusta, giving fans a chance to see how these horses stack up on a different track. But the biggest headline? Surprise Derby champion Golden Tempo is sitting this one out, opting to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont Stakes instead. That opens the door for new heroes to emerge.
At the top of the morning line odds, Iron Honor stands as the 9-2 favorite, but don't let that fool you—this race is wide open. Nine of the 14 horses are listed at 15-1 or lower, making the 2026 Preakness one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. The race goes off at 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday, and with so many live contenders, every stride will matter.
For those looking for an edge, horse racing expert Jody Demling has been a trusted voice for years. A fixture in the sport, Demling has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners—including 2023, when he nailed the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He also hit the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. Add in his perfect top-three prediction for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and it's clear he knows how to read the field.
One of Demling's most intriguing calls this year involves Taj Mahal. Despite being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1 (alongside Chip Honcho and Incredibolt), Demling has him outside his top five projected finishers. Taj Mahal is a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all wins coming at Laurel Park—so the home-track advantage is real. But Demling questions the level of competition he's faced, noting that he hasn't run against the same caliber of horses that battled on the Derby trail. That skepticism makes Taj Mahal a fascinating wild card.
Whether you're rooting for a Derby returnee, a local hero, or a longshot, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises to deliver heart-pounding action. For Demling's full betting picks, including his top contenders and best bets, check out his predictions at SportsLine. And if you're looking to add to the thrill, don't forget to claim the latest DK Horse promo code for a chance to win a share of $151,000 with a $5 wager on the winning horse. The gate is open—let the race begin.