Horse-racing expert Jody Demling has released his top predictions for the 2026 Preakness Stakes, identifying Iron Honor, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal as key contenders.
These insights provide critical guidance for bettors and fans as the field prepares for the second leg of the Triple Crown. Demling's analysis carries significant weight because he has called 11 Preakness winners [5].
The race, known as the 151st Run for the Black-Eyed Susans [4], took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 [3], at Laurel Park in Maryland. The event drew national attention as a wide-open field competed for the prestigious title.
Among the favorites, Iron Honor entered the race with morning-line odds of 9-2 [1]. The horse was assigned post position No. 9 [2]. Demling said Iron Honor, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal are the horses most likely to challenge for the victory.
Demling's track record of identifying winners makes his selection of these three horses a focal point for racing analysts. The strategic placement of Iron Honor in the ninth post adds a layer of tactical complexity to the race's start.
The Preakness Stakes remains one of the most unpredictable events in the sporting calendar. By focusing on a small group of high-probability candidates, Demling said he aims to simplify the betting landscape for those following the 151st edition of the race [4].
“Jody Demling has called 11 Preakness winners.”
The reliance on expert predictions like those from Jody Demling underscores the volatility of the Preakness Stakes. When a proven analyst narrows a wide-open field to three specific horses, it often shifts betting patterns and increases the pressure on those specific athletes to perform under high expectations.
