Additional Coverage:
- 2026 Preakness Stakes horses, odds, predictions, post draw: Expert who called 11 winners reveals picks (cbssports.com)
The lineup for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is finalized following Monday evening’s post position draw. Among the contenders are familiar names from the Kentucky Derby, including Ocelli, who impressed with a third-place finish in that race, along with Derby participants Incredibolt and Robusta.
Notably absent is surprise Derby winner Golden Tempo, who will skip this leg of the Triple Crown. This year’s Preakness will not be held at its traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Due to ongoing construction, the event moves to Laurel Park, located about 30 miles south.
The race is slated for a 6:50 p.m. ET start on Saturday.
Leading the betting odds is Iron Honor at 9-2 among the field of 11. Before placing bets, racing enthusiasts should consider the expert insights and predictions offered by veteran horse racing analyst Jody Demling, available through SportsLine.
Demling has a strong track record, having correctly forecasted the exact order of the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He also boasts an impressive record in the Preakness Stakes, calling 11 winners in the past 21 runnings, including a perfect ticket of winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta in 2023. His recent picks have yielded substantial returns for followers.
Among Demling’s notable 2026 Preakness selections is Napoleon Solo, a long shot at 8-1. Despite mixed performances this year-finishing fifth in both the Wood Memorial and Fountain of Youth Stakes-Demling remains optimistic about Napoleon Solo’s chances to finish in the top five, citing his strong 2025 season highlighted by a Grade I Champagne Stakes victory.
Conversely, Demling is cautious on Chip Honcho, a 5-1 favorite who showed promise with a second-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes and a win in the Gun Runner Stakes, but faltered in the Louisiana Derby. Trainer Steve Asmussen has expressed reservations about the horse’s stamina at the Derby distance, raising questions about his competitiveness in this field.
Additionally, Demling highlights a longshot contender with double-digit odds who could surprise bettors and potentially take the win. He recommends checking his full projected leaderboard and betting strategies on SportsLine for comprehensive guidance.
Below is the list of confirmed entries with post positions and odds:
| Post | Horse | Odds |
|---|
| 1 | Taj Mahal | 5-1 |
| 2 | Ocelli | 6-1 |
| 3 | Crupper | 30-1 |
| 4 | Robusta | 30-1 |
| 5 | Talkin | 20-1 |
| 6 | Chip Honcho | 5-1 |
| 7 | The Hell We Did | 15-1 |
| 8 | Bull By The Horns| 30-1 |
| 9 | Iron Honor | 9-2 |
| 10 | Napoleon Solo | 8-1 |
| 11 | Corono De Oro | 30-1 |
| 12 | Incredibolt | 5-1 |
| 13 | Great White | 15-1 |
| 14 | Pretty Boy Miah | 15-1 |
With the Preakness Stakes relocated and the field set, this year’s race promises to offer plenty of excitement and strategic wagering opportunities. Bettors are encouraged to utilize expert analysis to inform their picks for the 2026 Preakness Stakes.