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2026 Kentucky Derby horses, odds, predictions, post draw: Expert who hit 12 Derby-Oaks Doubles unveils picks
TL;DR
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for May 2, with Renegade as the favorite at 9-2 odds. Last year's Derby saw a record handle of $349 million, and this year's event is expected to break that record.
Key points
- 2026 Kentucky Derby takes place on May 2
- Renegade is the favorite at 9-2 odds
- Last year's Derby had a record handle of $349 million
- Further Ado is second in odds at 5-1
- Longshots include Wonder Dean and Golden Tempo
Kentucky Derby 2026
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A big part of the allure of thoroughbreds is horse racing betting, and the 2026 Kentucky Derby may set new records in that regard based on recent trends. Last year's Derby saw a historic all-sources handle of $349 million, as it marked the fourth straight year that a new Kentucky Derby handle record was set. Thus, one can expect that mark to be broken at this year's Run for the Roses, which takes place on Saturday, May 2. Renegade figures to generate a large portion of that handle as the Kentucky Derby 2026 favorite.
The 9-2 colt has rewarded those who've made horse racing bets on him recently by winning his last two starts. Further Ado is second in the Kentucky Derby odds at 5-1, while longshots will undoubtedly play a role in this year's handle. The likes of The Puma (10-1) and Chief Wallabee (10-1) are mid-priced, while longshots include Wonder Dean (25-1) and Golden Tempo (30-1). Before making any 2026 Kentucky Derby picks, be sure to see the 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions and best bets from SportsLine's elite horse racing expert Jody Demling.
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A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years. He also predicted the top three 2025 Kentucky Derby finishers in the correct order and called the exacta in last year's Preakness. Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up.
Now, with the 2026 Kentucky Derby approaching and horse racing futures odds on the board, Demling is sharing his 2026 Kentucky Derby betting picks and 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions over at SportsLine. .
Q&A
What are the odds for the favorite horse Renegade in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade is the favorite with odds of 9-2 for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby scheduled to take place?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
What was the total handle for last year's Kentucky Derby?
Last year's Kentucky Derby had a historic all-sources handle of $349 million.
Who are some of the longshot horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Longshot horses for the 2026 Kentucky Derby include Wonder Dean at 25-1 and Golden Tempo at 30-1.
