2026 Kentucky Derby preview, picks: Best horses to use in exactas, trifectas
The 2026 Kentucky Derby features a wide-open field with no clear favorite, creating potential for high-paying exacta and trifecta combinations. Horses like Renegade, Commandment, and Further Ado are among the top contenders, but several long shots are drawing betting interest. With pace-heavy dynamics and a diverse group of horses, value can be found in exotics bets at Churchill Downs.
- ▪Renegade is the lukewarm favorite but drew the unfavorable No. 1 post position, which hasn't produced a winner since 1986.
- ▪Trendy long shots include No. 8 So Happy, No. 9 The Puma, and No. 11 Incredibolt, labeled this year’s 'wiseguy horse.'
- ▪Horses such as Chief Wallabee, Danon Bourbon, Potente, and Golden Tempo are recommended for exactas and trifectas due to their value and performance potential.
- ▪Chief Wallabee showed strong form in the Florida Derby despite a troubled trip, while Danon Bourbon is undefeated in Japan but faces skepticism as a Japanese entrant.
- ▪Golden Tempo is the field's only true deep closer, suited to benefit from a fast pace, though his status is monitored due to cracked heels.
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Betting 2026 Kentucky Derby preview, picks: Best horses to use in exactas, trifectas By Michael Leboff Published May 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. Getty Images Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. Some years, the Kentucky Derby is straightforward to handicap. You have a chalky favorite, like Justify in 2018, and you’re just trying to figure out the best horses to use underneath to add some value to your exactas and trifectas, knowing that there’s no point in trying to beat a juggernaut. This is not one of those years.
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