2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, race date: Surprising picks by horse racing expert
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. Horse racing expert Michelle Yu has released her 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, highlighting surprising picks and betting strategies ahead of the race. Renegade is the betting favorite at 4-1 odds, but Yu is backing longshot The Puma at 10-1 while fading fellow top contender Commandment despite its recent win in the Florida Derby.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET.
- ▪Renegade is the 4-1 favorite in the 2026 Kentucky Derby odds and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
- ▪Michelle Yu, a respected horse racing analyst, is recommending bets on The Puma at 10-1 odds and avoiding Commandment despite its 6-1 odds and Florida Derby win.
- ▪Commandment's jockey, Luis Saez, has never finished better than third in 12 previous Kentucky Derby appearances.
- ▪The Puma, trained by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by Javier Castellano, finished second in the Florida Derby and has placed in the top three in all four of his races since his debut.
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2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, race date: Surprising picks by 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 9:41 am ET • 4 min read Imagn Images All eyes will be on Churchill Downs for the 152nd installment of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, with an official post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. There's nothing quite like the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, where we see months -- if not years -- of preparation take center stage as the first leg of the Triple Crown is decided. There's plenty of intrigue with this year's field as Renegade has been designated as the favorite at 4-1 2026 Kentucky Derby odds.
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