Demling’s Preakness Analysis: Iron Honor Favourite, Golden Tempo Absent

SportsLine expert Jody Demling has released his betting analysis for the 151st Preakness Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026, at Laurel Park in Maryland. The traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course, is currently undergoing renovations, necessitating the temporary relocation of the event. Demling, who has correctly predicted 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, provides a detailed breakdown of the field ahead of the race.

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is not participating in the 2026 Preakness Stakes field. His absence leaves Justify, who won in 2018, as the most recent Triple Crown winner for at least another year. The field remains competitive, with Gotham Stakes winner Iron Honor listed as the morning-line favourite at 9-2.

Other notable contenders include Taj Mahal, Incredibolt, Chip Honcho, and Ocelli, all listed at 6-1 or lower odds. Demling has identified Taj Mahal as a surprising pick, ranking him outside the top five on his projected leaderboard despite the horse being tied for the second-lowest odds at 5-1. Taj Mahal holds a perfect 3-for-3 record at Laurel Park, though Demling cites concerns regarding the level of competition the horse has faced compared to other Derby trail participants.

Iron Honor, the morning-line favourite, won the Gotham Stakes in late February but finished seventh in the Wood Memorial after entering as the favourite. Demling notes that while Iron Honor has shown the speed to compete at this caliber, bettors must consider the impact of his poor run in the Wood Memorial.

Incredibolt, listed at 5-1, finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby and is described by trainer Riley Mott as training well, despite finishing sixth in the Holy Bull Stakes. Demling also identified an unnamed epic double-digit longshot as a sleeper pick with a chance to win the race.