The countdown to the 2026 Preakness Stakes is on, and this year's race is shaping up to be one for the history books. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with post time around 6:50 p.m. ET, the event is making a major change: for the first time ever, it will be held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a massive $400 million renovation.

This year's field features 14 horses, drawn from the top five finishers of the Kentucky Derby and the highest graded stakes earners. The favorite is Iron Honor at 9-2 odds from post position No. 9, but a pack of contenders is hot on his heels. Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal are all listed at 5-1, while Ocelli sits at 6-1. Napoleon Solo rounds out the top tier at 8-1, followed by Great White, Pretty Boy Miah, and The Hell We Did, each at 15-1.

History offers some intriguing clues for bettors. Since the starting gate was introduced in 1909, post position No. 6 has produced the most winners (17) and the best winning percentage (14.9%). That's great news for Chip Honcho, who drew the No. 6 post. The last horse to win from that spot was Rombauer in 2021. Posts 4, 5, and 7 are tied for the second-most wins with 14 each, giving Robusta (30-1), Talkin (20-1), and The Hell We Did (15-1) a statistical edge. On the flip side, Great White (post 13) and Pretty Boy Miah (post 14) face an uphill battle: only one horse has ever won from post 13 (Rachel Alexandra in 2009), and none have triumphed from post 14.

For those looking to build winning exacta, trifecta, or superfecta tickets, expert insight is key. SportsLine's Jody Demling, a seasoned horse racing analyst with a proven track record, has carefully studied the field and history to deliver his top picks for the 2026 Preakness Stakes. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking to get in on the action, Demling's analysis can help you make smarter bets this Saturday.