Horse racing guru Jeff Hochman reveals his 2026 Wood Memorial Stakes best bets for Saturday's race at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y.
By Ross Kelly Apr 3, 2026 at 7:10 am ET • 2 min read 
Imagn Images One of the top 2026 Kentucky Derby prep races takes place on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y. It is the 2026 Wood Memorial Stakes, and this race has a lengthy history of producing Kentucky Derby champions. Eleven horses have completed the Wood Memorial-Derby double, while a total of 20 thoroughbreds have raced in the Wood Memorial Stakes before going on to win The Run for the Roses. This G2 race will be contested over 1 1/8 miles and has a 6:34 p.m. ET post time.
The latest 2026 Wood Memorial Stakes odds have Iron Honor (5-2) as the favorite, as the son of 2016 Kentucky Derby champion, Nyquist, is coming off a triumph at the Gotham Stakes. Napoleon Solo, who drew the post, is next in line at 7-2, followed by Talk To Me Jimmy (6-1). Buetane, who is trained by three-time Wood Memorial winner, Bob Baffert, is among three thoroughbreds priced at 8-1. Before making any 2026 Wood Memorial picks, be sure to see the horse racing predictions from SportsLine's Jeff Hochman.
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Hochman delivered exceptional handicapping results during the summer 2025 racing season at two of the country's premier tracks, Saratoga and Del Mar. His combined 65.7% win rate across the two tracks represents elite-level performance that significantly exceeds industry benchmarks for professional handicappers. Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up.
For the Wood Memorial Stakes 2026, Hochman has handicapped the field, made his picks and constructed his best bets. You can head to SportsLine now to see them.
Top 2026 Wood Memorial predictions
One of Hochman's surprising Wood Memorial Stakes picks: He is not high on Iron Honor as the 5-2 favorite.
"This 3-year-old colt by Nyquist has done nothing wrong with a perfect 2-for-2 record," Hochman told SportsLine. "Iron Honor began his career with an 86 Equibase Speed Figure in a six-furlong maiden win on Dec. 13. He then extended to a one-turn mile in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes on Feb. 28, securing a one-length victory over Crown the Buckeye. Iron Honor achieved a new career-best 91 Speed Figure. Drawing post No. 13 poses a challenge, but his pedigree indicates he can handle it. Nine furlongs will suit him well, but I will not back him as the post-time favorite." See which horses to back here, and see the latest TwinSpires offer code here.
How to make 2026 Wood Memorial picks, best bets
Instead, Hochman's top pick is a longshot with a "sustained finishing kick." He also is high on another longshot who could "sweep past tiring rivals late." You can see who they are, and get all of Hochman's 2026 Wood Memorial Stakes picks, over at SportsLine.
Which horse wins the Wood Memorial Stakes 2026, and how should you construct your wagers? Check out the latest 2026 Wood Memorial Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Hochman's picks, all from the expert who has a 65.7% win rate.
