The roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the quest for glory—the 2026 Preakness Stakes is almost here. This Saturday, May 16, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will host the 151st running of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, and the action promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
History tells us the Preakness is a gambler's delight, with favorites winning nearly half the time—49% to be exact. Last year, Journalism carried that torch to victory. This year, the spotlight falls on Iron Honor, the 9-2 morning line favorite, looking to rebound from a disappointing seventh-place finish in his last outing. But he won't have it easy. Incredibolt and Taj Mahal are both lurking at 5-1, while Robusta offers tantalizing value at 30-1 for those seeking a longshot payday.
As you prepare your bets—win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, or superfecta—a little expert insight can make all the difference. Enter Jody Demling, a horse racing wizard who has been calling winners for years. Demling nailed the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order, and his Preakness record is staggering: he's picked 11 of the last 21 winners, including a perfect 2023 sweep of the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. He also correctly tabbed Journalism as the 2025 Preakness champion and hit the trifecta in 2024.
For the fashion-conscious fan, remember that Preakness style is as much a tradition as the race itself. Whether you're donning your sharpest seersucker or a sleek polo, the right gear can make you feel like a winner before the gates even open. And for those new to the sport, a quick history lesson: of the 150 Preakness winners, only six have been fillies—the last being Swiss Skydiver in 2020, joining legends like Rachel Alexandra (2009). That's a rarity that adds even more intrigue to this year's field.
With post positions set and odds on the board, Demling has crunched the numbers and is ready to share his top picks for the 2026 Preakness Stakes. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for a thrill, his insights could be your ticket to cashing in on a memorable day at the races.