Horse-racing analyst Jody Demling has released his expert betting predictions for the 2026 Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, May 16 [4].
These selections provide a strategic roadmap for bettors looking to navigate win, place, and show wagers, as well as complex exotic bets like the exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. Because the Preakness is a cornerstone of the Triple Crown, expert analysis often shifts the betting volume and odds for the participating horses.
Demling is a veteran in the field with a track record of calling 11 Preakness winners [1]. His current analysis focuses on the field competing at Laurel Park in Maryland [2].
One horse drawing significant attention in the predictions is Taj Mahal. The horse enters the race with a strong local record, remaining unbeaten in three races at Laurel Park [2]. This dominance at the venue makes the horse a focal point for those constructing their wagering tickets.
Taj Mahal's early career showed significant promise, including a debut win by 8.25 lengths [2]. Such margins of victory often indicate a level of talent that translates well to the high-pressure environment of the Preakness Stakes.
Bettors typically use these professional picks to balance their portfolios between favorites and long shots. Demling's breakdown of the superfecta, a bet requiring the correct order of the first four finishers, is particularly valued due to the high difficulty and potential payout of the wager.
“Jody Demling has called 11 Preakness winners”
The reliance on analysts like Demling underscores the volatility of horse racing, where track-specific performance, such as Taj Mahal's record at Laurel Park, often outweighs general pedigree. For the betting market, these predictions can influence the final odds by concentrating money on specific horses, potentially lowering the payout for the most predicted winners.
