Kentucky Derby odds shake up after Silent Tactic drops from race

Twenty horses line up annually in the Kentucky Derby, and this year the front runner is a tight race.

Renegade has been considered the favorite leading up to the official start of the Derby. But if you're superstitious, you'd know Renegade's unlucky No. 1 position on the track hasn't produced a winner since 1986.

Renegade has raced against Silent Tactic, finishing shortly behind Renegade. However, the incoming storyline was cut short when Silent Tactic, an Oklahoma-owned horse, dropped from the Saturday race, Churchill Downs announced.

The Puma, racing in 9th, has emerged as Renegade's main challenge among early bettors, even though the horse has only raced three times before Saturday's Run for the Roses. Puma isn't the only one closing in on Renegade, according to bettors.

Here's a quick look at the odds for the best for the 2026 Kentucky Derby:

2026 Kentucky Derby draw positions and early odds

Odds via KentuckyDerby.com as of 9:30am on Tuesday, April 28:

• No. 1 post: Renegade, odds 5-1
• No. 2 post: Albus, odds 47-1
• **No. 3 post:**Intrepido, odds 55-1
• **No. 4 post:**Litmus Test, odds 41-1
• **No. 5 post:**Right to Party, odds 31-1
• **No. 6 post:**Commandment, odds 8-1
• No. 7 post: Danon Bourbon, odds 13-1
• **No. 8 post:**So Happy, odds 6-1
• **No. 9 post:**The Puma, odds 5-1
• No. 10 post: Wonder Dean, odds 19-1
• No. 11 post: Incredibolt, odds 37-1
• **No. 12 post:**Chief Wallabee, odds 14-1
• No. 14 post: Potenete, odds 28-1
• **No. 15 post:**Emerging Market, odds 13-1
• No. 16 post: Pavlovian, odds 50-1
• No. 17 post: Six Speed, odds 46-1
• No. 18 post: Further Ado, odds 7-1
• No. 19 post: Golden Tempo, odds 50-1