The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing races in recent memory, and for the fifth time since 2019, the Triple Crown dream will remain just that—a dream. With Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo opting out of the second leg, the spotlight shifts to a wide-open field of 14 talented horses set to run at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., on Saturday. Post time is approximately 6:50 p.m. ET, and the purse stands at a hefty $2 million for the 1 3/16-mile test.
Leading the odds board is Iron Honor at 9-2, followed closely by a trio of 5-1 contenders: Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt. Ocelli sits at 6-1, while Napoleon Solo rounds out the top tier at 8-1. But as any seasoned racing fan knows, odds only tell part of the story—and this year, the real insights come from SportsLine's elite horse racing expert, Jody Demling.
Demling is no stranger to the winner's circle. With 11 Preakness winners correctly called in the last 21 runnings—including a stunning exacta, trifecta, and superfecta hit in 2023—he's proven his mettle time and again. Last year, he nailed Journalism as the 2025 Preakness winner, and he also picked the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order. If you've been following his picks on horse racing betting sites, you know the kind of edge he brings.
One of Demling's most surprising calls for 2026? He's leaving Taj Mahal outside his top five projected finishers, despite the colt's perfect 3-for-3 record—all at Laurel Park. That home-track comfort is a big reason Taj Mahal is among the favorites, but Demling questions the level of competition he's faced so far. Without the Derby trail grind against top-tier rivals, Demling isn't convinced Taj Mahal can crack the top three.
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. And for Demling's full 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and predictions, head over to SportsLine—where the expert's track record speaks for itself.