The 151st Preakness Stakes takes place this Saturday, marking a historic shift: for the first time since 1908, it will be held somewhere other than Pimlico Race Course, moving to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The location is not the only change to this iteration of the Triple Crown’s middle jewel; the venue exchange also means a switch to the track’s configuration from Pimlico’s 1 mile to Laurel’s 1 1/8 mile track. So, while the Preakness will still be run at its traditional 1 3/16 mile route, this year’s hopefuls will have a longer stretch run than usual to either hold the lead or run down the front runners.

While we will be missing the Derby champion, Golden Tempo, eliminating the chance for a new Triple Crown winner, it means the field Saturday is wide open with favorable odds spread across all fourteen runners. The 2026 Preakness will feature three entrants from the Kentucky Derby as well as a few contenders who, for one reason or another, skipped the Derby to run here.

2026 Preakness Stakes best bet, pick

My Selections:

Win & Place – Taj Majal

Exacta Key Reverse – Taj Mahal on top and in the second position with The Hell We Did, Iron Honor, Incredibolt & Pretty Boy Miah.

DraftKings again is offering King Of The Track for The Preakness with $151,000 up for grabs. Just Opt-In on Saturday to DK Horse or DraftKings Racing and make a $5 Win Bet on the horse of your choice. If your selection Wins, you’ll not only get paid on the Win Mutuel but share $151,000 with all others who also selected the winning horse.

For those who had Golden Tempo in the One Million Dollar King Of The Track for the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, they were each paid $760 extra bucks.

Betting on horse racing online has never been easier or more fun than with DK Horse. Add to the excitement of watching a race live by placing a wager on your picks and cheering them on to victory! Check out the upcoming horse racing schedule and bet on horse racing events, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, the premier races that make up the Triple Crown.

Johnny Avello is an employee of DraftKings. Personal views on the races and strategies above do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in selecting their horses to wager upon. DraftKings employees may also deploy different strategies than those recommended above. DraftKings employees do not have access to any non-public information.