Kentucky Derby 2026: Props Odds & Picks

One of the biggest betting events on the U.S. sporting calendar is set for Churchill Downs this Saturday, with the eyes of the world locked on Louisville for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

This year’s Run for the Roses includes a high number of potential winners, meaning that some of the best value for bettors could come in the form of the props markets. You can find the latest Kentucky Derby props odds and our standout picks below.

Kentucky Derby Props Odds

First Letter in Winning Horse’s Name

First Letter in Winning Horse’s Name	Odds
A to H	-140
I to Z	+100

Number of Letters in Winning Horse’s Name

Number of Letters in Winning Horse’s Name	Odds
9 Letters or Less	+140
10 Letters or More	-180

Number of Words in Winning Horse’s Name

Number of Words in Winning Horse’s Name	Odds
One	-170
Two	+130
Three	+7000

Saddlecloth Number of Winning Horse

Saddlecloth Number of Winning Horse	Odds
Odd	+120
Even	-160

Starting Gate Number of Winner

Starting Gate Number of Winner	Odds
1 to 9	-140
10 or More	+100

Will A Japanese-Trained Horse Win?

Will A Japanese-Trained Horse Win?	Odds
Yes	+1000
No	-1500

Will Any Horse Win The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes?

Will Any Horse Win The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes?	Odds
Yes	+225
No	-350

ALSO SEE: Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet: Runner-by-Runner Guide & Odds

Will Secretariat’s Record Time be Tied or Broken?

Will Secretariat’s Record Time be Tied or Broken?	Odds
Yes	+1200
No	-5000

Will There Be a Photo Finish?

Will There Be a Photo Finish?	Odds
Yes	+600
No	-1500

Will There be a Post-Race Enquiry?

Will There be a Post-Race Enquiry?	Odds
Yes	+600
No	-1500

Will There be a Triple Crown Champion in 2026?

Will There be a Triple Crown Champion in 2026?	Odds
Yes	+450
No	-700

Will There be a Wire-to-Wire Winner?

Will There be a Wire-to-Wire Winner?	Odds
Yes	+1200
No	-5000

Kentucky Derby Props Picks

After reading our Kentucky Derby 2026 picks, you will be able to predict which markets we will like in the props section. However, the props can ensure an opportunity to cover an extra few bases, enhancing chances of potential returns.

For example, two of our main Derby picks have two words in their name, meaning that odds of -170 makes plenty of appeal. Meanwhile, the saddlecloth of the winner being an even number is also a standout selection. This option will cover the main contenders in the betting, such as Commandment, Chief Wallabee, and Further Ado.

Historical records are there to be broken, but Secretariat’s long-standing track record in the Kentucky Derby looks unlikely to be shattered this weekend. Meanwhile, the feat of a Triple Crown winner also looks unlikely, with both selections being odds-on options at BetOnline.

It would also be challenging to foresee a wire-to-wire winner, with speedsters such as Six Speed, Intrepido, and Pavlovian all likely to tire in the home stretch. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been a wire-to-wire winner of the Kentucky Derby since Authentic in 2020.

• Number of Words in Winning Horse’s Name – Two (-170)
• Saddlecloth Number of Winning Horse – Even (-160)
• Starting Gate Number of Winner – 10 or More (+100)
• Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner – No (-5000)