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2026 Preakness Stakes predictions, odds, field, location, post time: Top picks from proven horse racing expert
TL;DR
The 2026 Preakness Stakes features a competitive field with six horses at 8-1 odds or lower, and post time is set for 6:50 p.m. ET at Laurel Park. The favorite is Iron Honor at 9-2, while the Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, will not participate.
Key points
- 2026 Preakness Stakes has a wide-open field
- Post time is 6:50 p.m. ET at Laurel Park
- Iron Honor is the favorite at 9-2 odds
- Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is not participating
- Weather forecast predicts near 80 degrees with slight rain
Mentioned in this story
Laurel Park
Preakness Stakes
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With no chance for a Triple Crown winner this year, the 2026 Preakness Stakes features a wide-open field with six horses having odds of 8-1 or lower. Saturday's post time from Laurel Park is set for about 6:50 p.m. ET. For the second year in a row, the Kentucky Derby winner is skipping the Preakness in preparation for next month's Belmont Stakes. Golden Tempo won this year's Kentucky Derby, but won't get a chance at becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018.
The forecast is for temperatures nearing 80 degrees with just a slight chance of rain. Iron Honor (9-2) is the favorite for the 14-horse field. He is followed by Chip Honcho (5-1), Incredibolt (5-1), Taj Mahal (5-1), Ocelli (6-1) and Napoleon Solo (8-1). Before making any 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, be sure to see the 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets from SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Gene Menez.
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A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated, Menez covered an array of sports, including horse racing, for the magazine and its website for almost 14 years. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as SI's handicapper for the Triple Crown races and correctly predicted Super Saver to win the Kentucky Derby in 2010.
In 2015, while writing for Sports on Earth, Menez accurately gave out the Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund and Frosted), which paid $1,268.20 for $2. Then in 2017, he tweeted out his Kentucky Derby picks, including Always Dreaming to win, and hit the Pick 4, which paid almost $6,900 on a $1 bet. In 2024, Menez gave out 18-1 Mystik Dan as a live longshot in the Kentucky Derby. In last year's Kentucky Derby, he hammered the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout. Anyone who has followed his horse racing betting advice could be way up.
Q&A
What time does the 2026 Preakness Stakes start?
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is scheduled to start at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET.
Who are the top contenders for the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
The top contenders include Iron Honor (9-2), Chip Honcho (5-1), Incredibolt (5-1), Taj Mahal (5-1), Ocelli (6-1), and Napoleon Solo (8-1).
Why is the Kentucky Derby winner not racing in the Preakness Stakes?
The Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, is skipping the Preakness to prepare for the Belmont Stakes.
What are the weather conditions expected for the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
Temperatures are expected to be near 80 degrees with a slight chance of rain.
