Expert prediction
Kentucky Derby 2026: Undercard Preview & Picks (May 2)
The eyes of the sporting world will be on Churchill Downs this weekend, as the Triple Crown kicks off in Louisville.
Both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby have attracted high-quality and competitive fields for 2026, but Derby Day sees more action on track than just the standout race of the U.S. season. You can find our preview and picks for the Kentucky Derby undercard here.
Kentucky Derby Undercard Preview & Picks
| Race | Pick |
|---|---|
| 12:38 PM ET – G1 Derby City Distaff | Splendora |
| 1:12 PM ET – G2 Turf Sprint Stakes | Litigation |
| 1:53 PM ET – Knicks Go Overnight Stakes | Capital Idea |
| 2:38 PM ET – G2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes | Portfolio Duration |
| 3:23 PM ET – G2 Pat Day Mile Stakes | Englishman |
| 4:06 PM ET – G1 American Turf Stakes | Greenwich Village |
| 4:50 PM ET – G1 Churchill Downs Stakes | Disco Time |
| 5:39 PM ET – G1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes | Rhetorical |
ALSO SEE: Kentucky Derby Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (May 2)
Kentucky Derby Undercard: Top Picks
G2 Pat Day Mile Stakes – Englishman
One of the most exciting races on the Derby undercard is the G2 Pat Day Mile, as we get the opportunity to see Cherie DeVaux-trained Englishman back on the track. The three-year-old has been dynamite on two career starts, breaking a track record at Gulfstream on his return over six furlongs.
As a son of Maxfield, he will likely take this step up to a mile in his stride, and in my opinion, he looks like a standout contender for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile later in the year before targeting Classic glory in 2027.
G1 Churchill Downs Stakes – Disco Time
Knightsbridge will be a very warm favorite to land the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes on Saturday, but he could be vulnerable to Brad Cox-trained Disco Time over an unusual seven-furlong distance.
The four-year-old by Not This Time ran to great credit when second behind Disruptor in the G3 Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, but this drop back to seven furlongs is the major positive. Was a winner over a mile by a dominant nine lengths in the Dwyer Stakes last November, and if back in that form, he is a major contender at +700. John Velazquez being aboard is also not a negative.
G1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes – Rhetorical
The final race on the undercard before the Kentucky Derby this weekend is the G1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes. Program Trading and Test Score should be respected, but William Walden-trained Rhetorical could be set to make his mark with Irad Ortiz aboard.
The five-year-old wasn’t beaten far when third over a mile at Keeneland on return, and ran a stormer late last season when fourth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Already has winning form against Program Trading from last year, and this step back up in distance is a notable plus after landing the West Point Stakes in striking fashion last August.
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