The 2026 Preakness Stakes took a new turn when a handicapper with a recent record of calling the race released his picks ahead of Saturday's running at Laurel Park.

Reports indicate Jody Demling, cited for selecting the last three Preakness winners, has now laid out his predictions for the May 16 race. The signal also points to a notable absence: Golden Tempo will not run in the field. That detail matters in a race where every scratch can redraw the pace, the wagering board and the path to the finish.

A proven picker can shape the conversation around a race, but the field itself still decides everything once the gates open.

The early focus centers on the usual race-day puzzle: horses, odds and post positions. Those elements drive nearly every pre-race argument, from which runner controls the tempo to which contender may get trapped wide early. Without Golden Tempo in the mix, bettors and fans now have one less variable to weigh and one more reason to revisit how the race could unfold.

Key Facts

  • The 2026 Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.
  • The race will be held at Laurel Park.
  • Jody Demling has released Preakness predictions after reportedly picking the last three winners.
  • Golden Tempo is not in the field.

The credibility behind the picks has become part of the story. The source summary says Demling not only hit the last three winners, but also nailed the trifecta in both 2023 and 2024. That kind of streak draws attention because it suggests a disciplined read on form, pace and value, even if no forecast can remove the volatility that defines horse racing.

Now the countdown shifts from projections to execution. As post time approaches, readers will watch for any late market movement, changes in race-day conditions and fresh analysis around the final field. The stakes extend beyond one expert's selections: this race will test whether recent patterns still hold, or whether a reshaped lineup opens the door to a new result at Laurel Park.