Kentucky Derby 2026 odds and predictions: Who is the favorite to win?
The road to the Triple Crown begins in Louisville as a deep field of contenders lines up for one of horse racing’s most iconic events.
The countdown to the summer’s biggest stage is underway as the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday, May 2, kicking off the pursuit of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The opening leg, held each year at Churchill Downs, promises a fiercely competitive race with a full field vying for early glory.
To secure a spot at the starting gate, horses must compete in a series of designated qualifying races held from September through mid-April. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race, with only the 20 highest-scoring horses – along with select international winners – earning a place in the Derby field.
Before --> After
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 30, 2026
Still thinking about Sovereignty's win 💭 pic.twitter.com/OKgzT47zCu
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky.
What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start?
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET / 4:57 p.m. PT.
The UAE President Cup Arabian Stakes has a record-breaking purse of $400,000. It is up next at @ChurchilDowns. pic.twitter.com/ZDe6SFgOMy
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 30, 2026
How to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock in the United States. In Mexico and across Latin America, the race will be broadcast on ESPN.
Which horse is the favorite this year?
Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher, enters as the early favorite with 4-1 odds, leading a field packed with experienced trainers and high-profile jockeys.
Quote RT and tell us where you will be watching from on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/jE6E7N0nhh
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 30, 2026
Kentucky Derby 2026: Horses and jockeys, odds
| Position | Horse | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renegade | 4-1 | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| 2 | Albus | 30-1 | Riley Mott | Manny Franco |
| 3 | Intrepido | 50-1 | Jeff Mullins | Hector Berrios |
| 4 | Litmus Test | 50-1 | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia |
| 5 | Right To Party | 30-1 | Kenny McPeek | Chris Elliot |
| 6 | Commandment | 6-1 | Brad Cox | Luis Saez |
| 7 | Danon Bourbon | 20-1 | Manabu Ikezoe | Atsuya Nishimura |
| 8 | So Happy | 15-1 | Mark Glatt | Mike Smith |
| 9 | The Puma | 10-1 | Gustavo Delgado | Javier Castellano |
| 10 | Wonder Dean | 30-1 | Daisuke Takayanagi | Ryusei Sakai |
| 11 | Incredibolt | 20-1 | Riley Mott | Jaime Torres |
| 12 | Chief Wallabee | 8-1 | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado |
| 14 | Potente | 20-1 | Bob Baffert | Juan Hernández |
| 15 | Emerging Market | 15-1 | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat |
| 16 | Pavlovian | 30-1 | Doug O’Neil | Edwin Maldonado |
| 17 | Six Speed | 50-1 | Bhupat Seemar | Brian Hernandez Jr. |
| 18 | Further Ado | 6-1 | Brad Cox | John Velazquez |
| 19 | Golden Tempo | 30-1 | Cherie DeVaux | José Ortiz |
| 21 | Great White* | 50-1 | John Ennis | Alex Achard |
| 22 | Ocelli | 50-1 | Whit Beckman | Joe Ramos |
*Great White entered the field following the withdrawal of Silent Tactic due to injury. Fulleffort was replaced by Ocelli.
UPDATED: Post Positions for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve pic.twitter.com/XfKrMQAavk
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 30, 2026
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