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Kentucky Derby 2026 predictions, odds, betting advice: Win, place, show, trifecta, exacta, superfecta picks
TL;DR
The 2026 Kentucky Derby features 19 horses, with Renegade as the favorite from the challenging No. 1 post. Historical data shows that certain post positions significantly influence winning chances.
Key points
- 2026 Kentucky Derby features 19 horses
- Renegade is the favorite from the No. 1 post
- No horse has won from the No. 17 post
- No. 5 post has a 10.5% win rate
- Albus is a long shot at 30-1
Kentucky Derby
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Not all post positions are the same. With 19 horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby field, and over six decades of Kentucky Derby picks and predictions, there is an advantage of being placed in certain posts over others. For example, 10 horses have won the Kentucky Derby from the No. 5 post spot the starting gate was introduced, a 10.5% win rate. Meanwhile, the favorite on top of the Kentucky Derby 2026 odds is Renegade, who will try to buck history as the first horse to win the Derby from the No. 1 spot in 40 years.
With so much to consider while making your 2026 Kentucky Derby picks, a little expert help can go a long way. Bet the Kentucky Derby with the latestTwinSpires offer codeCBSSPORTS to get up to $400 in bonus bets, double what's available to the general public:
Renegade (No. 1 post) is the most notable among Kentucky Derby favorites to get a tough draw. But that's not even close to the most-feared post for Churchill Downs entrants. That would be the No. 17 spot; no horse has ever won from No. 17. The No. 2 spot isn't ideal, either, historically speaking. Triple Crown champion Affirmed was the last winner from there, and that was in 1978. Albus, at 30-1, will try to break that drought. Aside from No. 5, the No. 8 and No. 10 are considered solid start spots.
Given all the history of the race, there's a method to picking which horses to focus on for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets in a Kentucky Derby like this, and SportsLine expert Jody Demling knows what it is. He can help you make the best 2026 Kentucky Derby picks possible.
Q&A
What are the top contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade is the favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, while Albus is a notable long shot at 30-1.
Which post positions have historically performed best in the Kentucky Derby?
The No. 5 post has a 10.5% win rate, while the No. 17 post is the most feared, as no horse has ever won from there.
What is the significance of post position in the Kentucky Derby?
Post position can greatly affect a horse's chances of winning, with certain spots historically yielding better results.
How can I place bets on the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
You can place bets on the Kentucky Derby using platforms like TwinSpires, which offers promotional codes for bonus bets.
