Saturday marks the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes.
Action Network expert Sean Zerillo is back with his top bets and horse racing predictions for Saturday's race at Laurel Park.
A projected fast early pace and several speed horses are expected to contest the lead, and Zerillo believes this year's Preakness could set up perfectly for late runners to close into the race down the stretch.
Let’s dive into Zerillo’s 2026 Preakness Stakes picks and betting strategy.
2026 Preakness Stakes Picks, Predictions
Specific betting recommendations feature the preferred odds as of writing. Remember to always shop for the best price(s) available.
Preakness Stakes Pick: No. 12 Incredibolt (5-1)
Incredibolt is my top selection in this year's Preakness, and I make him closer to 7-2 fair odds.
I thought he ran much better in the Kentucky Derby than the result indicates. He didn't necessarily work out the cleanest trip as he had to navigate traffic, but he kept running well late.
This race sets up much better for him.
There's a ton of speed signed on early, and I expect a fast pace that could completely melt down in the stretch. Incredibolt should be able to sit a little bit closer to the pace than some of the deeper closers while still getting first run turning for home.
He's paired up 88 and 89 Buyer Speed Figures in his past two starts, which often points toward another step forward coming next out.
The pace setup, projected trip, and distance profile all fit beautifully here, and I expect him to get the ideal stalking trip from the outside before making one late run.
Pick: No. 12 Incredibolt (Play to 5-1)
Preakness Stakes Pick: No. 2 Ocelli (6-1)
Ocelli should also benefit significantly from the projected pace scenario.
He rallied strongly in the Kentucky Derby, gaining 14 lengths in the stretch after dropping far back early, and he should get another favorable setup with all of the speed entered here.
The concern is obvious: he’s still a maiden and has never won a race despite repeatedly hitting the board.
Still, he has improved notably since the equipment change earlier this season, and his late pace profile makes him one of the most dangerous closers in the field.
I make him closer to 4-1 fair odds, so anything around his 6-1 morning line would offer value.
Pick: No. 2 Ocelli (Play to 5-1)
Top 2026 Preakness Stakes Value Picks
The top longshot value in this race for me is No. 5 Talkin at 20-1.
Irad Ortiz jumps aboard, and he typically doesn’t take Triple Crown mounts unless he believes the horse has a legitimate chance.
Talkin is coming off a very strong recent workout and appears poised to take a step forward entering this race. He paired up 85 and 87 Buyer Speed Figures in his past two starts and should be able to stay involved while still benefiting from the projected pace collapse late.
At 20-1, he’s absolutely a horse I want involved on tickets, especially underneath in exotics.
Another horse I’ll be using underneath is No. 7 The Hell We Did, who profiles similarly as a price horse capable of passing tired runners late.
Preakness Stakes Horses to Avoid
- No. 8 Bull by the Horns (30-1)
- No. 3 Kruper (30-1)
- No. 6 Chip Honcho (5-1)
- No. 10 Napoleon Solo (8-1)
- No. 14 Pretty Boy Miah (15-1)
2026 Preakness Stakes Odds
| Post | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taj Mahal | 5-1 |
| 2 | Ocelli | 6-1 |
| 3 | Crupper | 30-1 |
| 4 | Robusta | 30-1 |
| 5 | Talkin | 20-1 |
| 6 | Chip Honcho | 5-1 |
| 7 | The Hell We Did | 15-1 |
| 8 | Bull by the Horns | 30-1 |
| 9 | Iron Honor | 9-2 |
| 10 | Napoleon Solo | 8-1 |
| 11 | Corona de Oro | 30-1 |
| 12 | Incredibolt | 5-1 |
| 13 | Great White | 15-1 |
| 14 | Pretty Boy Miah | 15-1 |
