The 2026 Preakness Stakes is poised for a significant transformation this year, with a notable absence and a change in venue. For the third time in the past five years, the Kentucky Derby winner will not participate in the Preakness. Additionally, the race will not be held at its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course, due to renovations but will instead take place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. This shift marks a historic change after 150 years at Pimlico.
Despite these changes, the Preakness Stakes 2026 lineup is finalized. Iron Honor emerges as the 9-2 favorite, closely followed by Taj Mahal, Incredibolt, and Chip Honcho, all standing at 5-1 odds. Ocelli is at 6-1, while Napoleon Solo trails with 8-1 odds. The race is scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday. Before placing any bets on this year’s Preakness Stakes, enthusiasts are advised to consider the insights and predictions from Jody Demling, an esteemed horse racing expert affiliated with SportsLine.
Demling has established himself as a trusted figure in horse racing, leveraging years of experience in analysis and wagering. He accurately predicted the top three finishers of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and his track record includes naming 11 of the past 21 Preakness winners. Notably, he successfully forecasted the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023 and achieved a trifecta in 2024. He also correctly identified Journalism as the 2025 Preakness victor. Those who have followed his advice on horse racing betting websites have seen substantial gains.
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With the field for the 2026 Preakness Stakes confirmed, Demling is now unveiling his betting picks and predictions at SportsLine. Visit SportsLine to access his expert analysis.
Top 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions
Among Demling’s intriguing selections for the 2026 Preakness is Napoleon Solo, who, despite his longer 8-1 odds, has caught Demling’s attention. Napoleon Solo had a remarkable 2025, clinching his maiden victory at Saratoga in August followed by a triumph in the Grade-I Champagne Stakes in October. However, his 2026 performance has been less stellar, with a fifth-place finish in both the Wood Memorial and Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Demling, however, was not discouraged by his run at the Wood Memorial, and is still backing him as a top-5 contender at the Preakness Stakes 2026. “The son of Liam’s Map will likely be near the front of the pack; he finished fifth in the Wood Memorial and is not without a shot to hit the board,” Demling said. See which other horses to back at SportsLine.
Another surprise: He’s fading Chip Honcho, even though he’s one of the favorites at 5-1. He did finish second at the Risen Star Stakes and won the Gun Runner Stakes, but a fifth-place finish at the Louisiana Derby brings some concerns about his ability to compete against this field.
“Trainer Steve Asmussen felt like the Derby was too much for the son of Connect. But does he fit any better with this group?” Demling said. See which other horses to fade at SportsLine.
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How to make 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, bets
Demling is also especially high on an epic double-digit longshot “with a chance” to win it all. Anyone who backs this sleeper pick could hit it big. Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2026 Preakness Stakes leaderboard, over at SportsLine.
Which horse wins the Preakness Stakes 2026, and which stunning longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2026 Preakness Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Preakness Stakes, all from the expert who has nailed the last three winners.
