Horse-racing analyst Jody Demling released his betting predictions for the 2026 Preakness Stakes ahead of the race on Saturday [1].

Demling's insights are highly anticipated by bettors due to his track record of correctly calling 11 Preakness winners in the past [1]. His analysis comes as the racing community prepares for the event at Laurel Park, Maryland [1].

The analyst provided his picks following the post-draw, which took place this past Monday [2]. In his latest evaluation, Demling said that Golden Tempo is not in the field for the event [1].

The 2026 Preakness field consists of 14 horses [3]. This specific field size and the resulting post-draw positions are critical factors that Demling used to finalize his selections for the race scheduled for May 16, 2026 [1].

Betting predictions for the Preakness often shift after the post-draw because the starting position can significantly impact a horse's performance. By waiting for the official draw, Demling said he aimed to provide the most accurate guidance for those wagering on the 14 competitors [3].

Demling's ability to identify winners in previous years has made his picks a focal point for sports bettors. His focus on the absence of Golden Tempo suggests a shift in the expected dynamics of the race compared to earlier projections [1].

“Demling has correctly called 11 Preakness winners in the past”

The release of predictions from a high-accuracy analyst like Demling often influences betting markets and odds movements. The absence of a notable horse like Golden Tempo from a 14-horse field changes the tactical landscape for the remaining contenders, potentially shifting the favorite status among the participants.