Horse racing experts have released their betting picks and odds for the 2026 Preakness Stakes taking place this Saturday [1].

These predictions provide critical insight for bettors and fans attempting to forecast the winner of the annual "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" race. Because the event is a cornerstone of the Triple Crown series, expert analysis often shifts betting volumes and affects the final odds for the competing athletes.

The race is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026 [1]. The event will be hosted at Laurel Park in Maryland [1]. According to available data, the field for the race consists of 14 horses [3].

Different sports outlets have highlighted different analysts providing these picks. CBS Sports and some MSN reports said Michelle Yu is the expert revealing the best bets for the event [1]. However, other reports from MSN said the predictions are from Jody Demling, who has reportedly called 11 Preakness winners in the past [3].

Both sets of predictions aim to help fans navigate the complexities of the post positions, and horse performance metrics. The 14-horse field creates a volatile betting environment, making the role of the expert analyst more prominent for those seeking a competitive edge.

Bettors are currently weighing the odds as the race day approaches. The transition to Laurel Park as the venue remains a central point of focus for those analyzing the track conditions and how they may favor specific horses in the 14-horse lineup [1, 3].

“A field of 14 horses will compete at Laurel Park”

The release of expert picks for a 14-horse field at Laurel Park indicates a high level of unpredictability for the 2026 Preakness Stakes. The discrepancy in reported experts suggests a fragmented media landscape for racing tips, but the focus remains on the venue's specific conditions and the size of the field, which typically increases the potential for upsets in Triple Crown races.