The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a historic and unpredictable race, and this year, everything feels a little different. For the first time in 151 runnings, the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" won't take place at Pimlico Race Course. Instead, due to ongoing renovations at the historic Baltimore track, the action moves to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, with an approximate post time of 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Adding to the drama, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be in the field, meaning there will be no Triple Crown contender in 2026. The last horse to sweep the series was Justify back in 2018. But don't let that fool you—this year's field is stacked with talent and intrigue.
Leading the pack as the 9-2 favorite is Iron Honor, the impressive Gotham Stakes winner who has been turning heads all spring. Hot on his heels are three contenders all sitting at 5-1 odds: Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, and Taj Mahal. With such a tight race at the top, every bettor is looking for an edge.
That's where Jody Demling comes in. A legendary figure in horse racing analysis, Demling has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners—including a perfect hit on the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023. He also nailed the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. If you've been following his picks on horse racing betting sites, you know his insights are gold.
One of Demling's most surprising predictions for 2026? He has Taj Mahal finishing outside the top five on his projected leaderboard, despite the colt being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1. Taj Mahal is a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all three wins coming right at Laurel Park. That home-track comfort is a big reason he's a favorite—but Demling questions the level of competition he's faced so far.
With the 2026 Preakness Stakes odds now set, Demling has released his full betting picks and predictions over at SportsLine. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or just looking for a smart wager, his analysis is a must-read before you place your bet.
And don't forget—you can claim the latest DK Horse promo code to win a share of $151,000 when you wager just $5 on the winning horse. It's the perfect way to add some extra excitement to an already thrilling race day.