The road to the 2026 Preakness Stakes has a new set of early signals, and a handicapper with a long track record just put three horses at the center of the conversation.
Reports indicate Jody Demling, identified as an expert who has correctly called 11 Preakness winners, has revealed his early picks for the race. The names drawing immediate attention are Iron Honor, Taj Mahal and Incredibolt, with the preview also pointing readers toward odds, post positions and the race date as the field begins to come into focus.
A respected Preakness forecaster has placed Iron Honor, Taj Mahal and Incredibolt among the horses to watch as the 2026 race starts to take shape.
That kind of forecast matters because the Preakness often turns on timing, trip and value as much as raw speed. Early predictions can sharpen interest around likely contenders, especially when they come from someone whose past calls carry weight. Still, this remains an early snapshot, and the usual variables — training form, final entries and post-position impact — will shape the market and the mood before race day.
Key Facts
- Jody Demling has reportedly called 11 Preakness winners.
- His early 2026 picks include Iron Honor, Taj Mahal and Incredibolt.
- The preview highlights odds, post positions and the race date.
- The 2026 field remains subject to change as preparations continue.
The bigger story now centers on how these early picks hold up as the race draws closer. Bettors, racing fans and industry watchers will track workouts, field announcements and any shift in odds for clues about who truly controls the pace into Baltimore. If these initial selections gain momentum, they could help define the narrative of the 2026 Preakness well before the horses reach the starting gate.