The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a historic and thrilling race, but this year comes with a major twist—for the first time in the modern era, the Triple Crown event won't be held at its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Instead, due to a massive $400 million renovation, the action has shifted to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, about 30 miles southwest of Pimlico. It's a fresh chapter for horse racing fans, and the stakes are as high as ever.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16, with the post time set for 6:50 p.m. ET. The field is packed with talent, led by the 9-2 favorite, Iron Honor. Hot on his heels are Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal, all sitting at 5-1 odds, while Ocelli follows at 6-1 and Napoleon Solo at 8-1. With such a balanced and competitive lineup, every bettor is looking for an edge—and that's where expert insights come into play.

Could this be the year a double-digit longshot steals the show? History says yes. The last longshot to win at 13-1 odds was Cloud Computing back in 2017, and Oxbow pulled off a 15-1 stunner in 2013. For those chasing even bigger payouts, Master Derby remains the biggest Preakness upset ever at 23-1 in 1975. This year's longshot contenders include Great White, Pretty Boy Miah, and The Hell We Did, all at 15-1, Talkin at 20-1, and a group at 30-1: Bull By the Horns, Corona De Oro, Crupper, and Robusta. It's a deep field where anything can happen.

For those looking to make win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, or superfecta bets, navigating this race requires a smart strategy. That's where horse racing expert Jody Demling comes in. A seasoned voice in the sport, Demling has an impressive track record—he nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in perfect order and has called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners. His 2023 Preakness picks hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta, and he followed that up with a trifecta hit in 2024 and correctly picked Journalism as the 2025 winner. With his proven method, Demling is the go-to guide for making the most of this year's Preakness Stakes bets.

Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or a casual bettor looking for some excitement, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises unforgettable drama at Laurel Park. Get ready for a race that could redefine the Triple Crown season—and with the right picks, you could be celebrating big wins.