Kentucky Derby Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (May 2)
- When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ 6:57 PM ET
- Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville
- How to Watch: NBC/Peacock/FanDuel TV
The first Saturday in May means only one thing: it is time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. The opening leg of the Triple Crown series has attracted a typically high-quality field for 2026, with potential superstars set to take their chance in one of the world’s most famous races. You can find the latest odds for the race at Churchill Downs, as well as our Kentucky Derby picks here.
Kentucky Derby Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Renegade (1) | +435 |
| Commandment (6) | +525 |
| Further Ado (18) | +550 |
| Chief Wallabee (12) | +650 |
| The Puma (9) | +900 |
| Danon Bourbon (7) | +1400 |
| So Happy (8) | +1400 |
| Emerging Market (15) | +1500 |
| Litmus Test (4) | +1800 |
| Incredibolt (11) | +2000 |
| Fulleffort (20) | +2000 |
| Silent Tactic (13) | +2200 |
| Potente (14) | +2500 |
| Wonder Dean (10) | +3000 |
| Golden Tempo (19) | +3600 |
| Pavlovian (16) | +4500 |
| Intrepido (3) | +5000 |
| Albus (2) | +6600 |
| Six Speed (17) | +6600 |
| Right To Party (5) | +10000 |
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/4 Miles |
| Purse | $5,000,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | Ben Jones, Bob Baffert (6) |
| Most Successful Jockey | Bill Hartack, Eddie Arcaro (5) |
ALSO SEE: Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet: Runner-by-Runner Guide & Odds
Kentucky Derby: Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | William Mott |
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez | Kenny McPeek |
| 2023 | Mage | Javier Castellano | Gustavo Delgado |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | Eric Reed |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox |
Race Preview
Following months of build up, the eyes of the sporting world will be on Churchill Downs this Saturday, as the talk stops, and the racing in the Kentucky Derby begins.
Commandment led the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings, and holds the form edge on re-opposing rivals such as The Puma and Chief Wallabee after winning the G1 Florida Derby. This son of Into Mischief could give his sire a fourth win in the Derby.
The Florida Derby is arguably the most informative prep, with runner-up The Puma holding an edge over Further Ado after previously landing the G3 Tampa Bay Derby. Javier Castellano is booked aboard for the third straight race, and his gritty finishing style ensures he will be a popular option to finish in the first three.
Renegade will be considered a favorite worth taking on this weekend after drawing stall one. The Todd Pletcher runner has won impressively on back-to-back starts in 2026, including most recently when landing the G1 Arkansas Derby by four lengths from Silent Tactic.
Brad Cox’s son of Gun Runner, Further Ado, will be a popular selection. Since losing to The Puma on his return, he has since bounced back to win the G1 Blue Grass by eleven lengths. That form is fairly weak on paper, and a wide draw could ensure that he is vulnerable.
Japanese hopes will hinge on the interesting Kentucky Derby long shot Danon Bourbon. The three-year-old by Maxfield was an eye-catching winner of the Fukuryu Stakes in Japan, beating the field by three lengths.
So Happy should be primed to give a bold account after beating Potente on his step up in distance in the G1 Santa Anita Derby. His stamina ensures that he will at least confirm that form, but improvement is likely required to land the Derby for trainer Mark Glatt.
Chad Brown-trained Emerging Market is one of the most fascinating contenders. He took the step up in grade in his stride to battle past Pavlovian to land the G2 Louisiana Derby, and he presents more upside than most in this field.
Kentucky Derby Picks
The inclusions of Six Speed, Litmus Test, and Intrepido ensure a red-hot pace will be expected in the Derby this year. That could set it up perfectly for Chief Wallabee, who was only third in a slowly run G1 Florida Derby last month.
With a red-hot pace to run at, and in first-time headgear, he boasts an incredibly positive profile for this weekend. At bigger prices, Incredibolt is a must for Exotics, while Golden Tempo may out-run his odds in a race that will suit his closing style. Commandment and The Puma are also musts for Trifecta Boxes.
Free Pick:
- Chief Wallabee (+650)
- Trifecta Box: 6 Commandment, 9 The Puma, 11 Incredibolt, 12 Chief Wallabee, 19 Golden Tempo
