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The Kentucky Derby 2026 is scheduled for May 2 at Churchill Downs, featuring top thoroughbreds. Key storylines and updates are emerging as the race approaches.
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Kentucky Derby 152 is set for May 2 at Churchill Downs, where the top thoroughbreds in horse racing will once again take center stage.
Last year’s race saw trainer Bill Mott’s Sovereignty capture the famed rose garland, with jockey Junior Alvarado guiding the horse through 1 1/4 miles on a sloppy track in 2:02.31.
As the field for 2026 comes into focus, here are the key storylines, contenders and updates to follow leading up to the Run for the Roses.
Reporter Jason Frakes takes a look at everything going on around Churchill Downs during Derby week, from the schedule, ticket options, parking logistics and wagering opportunities. The guide breaks down how fans can navigate race days, access the track and more.
Reporter Payton Titus previews every jockey set to compete in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, breaking down the riders who could help shape the outcome of the Run for the Roses.
Reporter Ryan Black highlights the trainers behind the contenders in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, breaking down what shaped each horse’s path to Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Derby 2026 is set for May 2, 2026.
Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, won the Kentucky Derby in 2025.
Fans can expect a detailed schedule, ticket options, parking logistics, and wagering opportunities during Derby week at Churchill Downs.
Tickets for the Kentucky Derby 2026 can be obtained through official channels, which will be detailed in guides leading up to the event.

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Black spotlights the owners competing in the Kentucky Derby, highlighting the people behind each horse and the paths that led their contenders to horse racing’s biggest stage.
Reporter Alexis Cubit takes a look at which post positions in the Kentucky Derby have produced the most victories.
Reporters Brooks Holton and Cubit explain how much money the winner of the Kentucky Derby will receive.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Holton shares what the odds are for each horse and where they'll be on the track.
Frakes shares what the odds are for each horse and where they'll be at on the track.
Frakes examines who the top five contenders are to win the Kentucky Derby and why.
Cubit explains who the experts are selecting to win the Kentucky Derby, looking at the leading contenders and why they’re attracting so much attention as favorites.
Holton breaks down who landed the best and worst post positions in the Oaks draw and explains what factors typically make for a favorable starting spot.
Frakes analyzes who landed the best and worst post positions in the Derby draw and explains what factors typically make for a favorable starting spot.
Cubit looks at the Kentucky Derby weather forecast and also digs into past conditions on Derby Day, exploring how weather over the years has shaped racing at Churchill Downs.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher. April 27, 2026.
Frakes examines Kentucky Derby favorite Renegade drawing post position No. 1, a spot trainer Todd Pletcher calls “not ideal” as the field sets up at Churchill Downs.
Reporters Kathryn Gregory, Matthew Glowicki and Frakes explains why Churchill Downs is set to acquire Preakness Stakes for $85 million and what this means.
Titus breaks down how prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are influencing Kentucky Derby betting, showing how traders are reshaping odds and adding a new layer to how bettors evaluate the race at Churchill Downs.
Frakes tells the story of trainer Mark Glatt as he prepares for his Kentucky Derby debut while grieving the loss of his wife after 25 years of marriage
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
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Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
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Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
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Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
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Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
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Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Frakes profiles 20-year-old jockey Chris Elliott, the youngest rider in the Kentucky Derby in 19 years, as he looks to win aboard Right to Party while following in the footsteps of his father, 2004 Derby winner Stewart Elliott.
Black writes about Riley Mott making his Kentucky Derby debut with Albus and Incredibolt, while facing his father Bill Mott, who is training Chief Wallabee.
Columnist C.L. Brown explores how Kentucky Derby wagering, betting trends and TV viewership continue to keep the race relevant despite declining horse racing popularity.
Reporter Kirby Adams shares how you can place a bet on the Kentucky Derby when visiting Churchill Downs.
Holton takes a look at Mike Repole’s growing presence in the 2026 Kentucky Derby, including his ownership of top contender Renegade and his broader influence across the Derby and Oaks fields.
Titus notes that Brad Cox has three horses in the Kentucky Derby, and looks at what history says about trainers entering multiple horses in the race.
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Brad Cox at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Cox has three horses in this year's Kentucky Derby: Commandment, Further Ado and Fulleffort. April 27, 2028.
Frakes writes about how Emerging Market is looking to make history in the Kentucky Derby, trying to become just the second horse to win the Derby after just two career starts.
DeRosa gives his picks for 502'sDay at Churchill and why he selected each horse.
Expert Ed DeRosa gives his WinsDay selections and why he believes they will win.
DeRosa gives his predictions as to what will happen on Thurby and why.
Frakes shares what led to trainer Bob Baffert adding a second horse to the Kentucky Derby.
Cubit explains what each jockey will be wearing during the Derby and what each silk looks like.
Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris atamorris@gannett.comand follow her on X at @alainammorris.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2026 horses, trainers, jockeys, post positions, updates