2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, race date: Surprising picks from elite horse racing expert
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Renegade is the 4-1 morning-line favorite, but expert Michelle Yu is highlighting surprising picks and longshots. Yu, who has a strong track record in horse racing predictions, is advising against some favorites and favoring horses with proven connections and stamina.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2 at 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs.
- ▪Renegade is the 4-1 favorite in the morning-line odds, with Bob Baffert training two longshot entries, Potente and Litmus Test.
- ▪Michelle Yu, a proven horse racing analyst, is fading Commandment despite his 6-1 odds and instead backing The Puma at 10-1 due to strong jockey-trainer connections.
- ▪Yu previously predicted Medina Spirit's 2021 Kentucky Derby win and has successfully called multiple major race outcomes in recent years.
- ▪She is also highlighting a top pick that excels at longer distances and a longshot with experienced connections for the 2026 race.
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2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, race date: Surprising picks from elite horse racing expert When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby? The annual Run for the Roses takes place Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs at 6:57 p.m. ET By Ross Kelly May 1, 2026 at 6:37 pm ET • 4 min read Imagn Images Horse racing's Triple Crown season has arrived with the 2026 Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 2 at 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Renegade, the winner of the Arkansas Derby, is a 4-1 favorite in the morning-line 2026 Kentucky Derby odds, but Further Ado (6-1), Commandment (6-1), Chief Wallabee (8-1) and The Puma (10-1) are all contenders in the 20-horse field.
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