Renegade is the morning line favorite for the 152nd Kentucky Derby, trained by Todd Pletcher. Further Ado and Commandment are also strong contenders in the race.
Key points
Renegade is the morning line favorite for the Kentucky Derby
Further Ado won the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes
Commandment has 6-1 morning line odds
Todd Pletcher trains Renegade
Brad Cox trains Further Ado and Commandment
Mentioned in this story
Todd PletcherBrad Cox
Kentucky Derby power rankings by odds: Renegade tops list in Run for the Roses
The countdown to the 152nd Kentucky Derby is underway as this legendary event once again unites twenty of the nation’s elite three-year-old thoroughbreds, each chasing the garland of roses and igniting the quest for the Triple Crown.
Leading the field is Renegade, the morning line favorite, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and paired with Irad Ortiz Jr. Renegade’s dominant prep race performances have set him apart as the horse to beat.
Not far behind is Further Ado, Brad Cox’s contender who surged to victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes last month. Boasting a pedigree rich with champions and a powerful late kick, Further Ado has become a favorite ahead of the race. Cox’s Derby lineup is further bolstered by Commandment, who enters with 6-1 morning line odds. With tactical speed and remarkable consistency, Commandment gives Cox a one-two punch on the course.
As the Kentucky Derby draws near, fans are eager to uncover which contender will surge to victory beneath the Twin Spires. Here’s a look at the current power rankings by odds.
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Q&A
Who is the favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade is the morning line favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
What are the odds for Further Ado in the Kentucky Derby?
Further Ado has strong odds following a victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes last month.
Which trainer has the top contenders in the Kentucky Derby?
Todd Pletcher is training Renegade, while Brad Cox trains Further Ado and Commandment.
What is the significance of the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race that marks the beginning of the quest for the Triple Crown.
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St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Spectators line East Broadway to catch a glimpse of the floats during the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade in Louisville, Kentucky, Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
1 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
2 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
3 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
5 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
6 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
7 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
10 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
11 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
12 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Spectators line East Broadway to catch a glimpse of the floats during the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade in Louisville, Kentucky, Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
2026 Kentucky Derby Power Rankings
Kentucky Derby odds according to kentuckyderby.com as of 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 28:
1: Renegade , odds: 4-1
Renegade, the standout contender for this year’s Kentucky Derby, boasts an exceptional pedigree as the son of Mischief and out of a dam from the legendary Curlin lineage, one of the most celebrated families in thoroughbred racing. His bloodlines speak to both speed and stamina, qualities that have defined champions of the past. Renegade’s recent triumph in the Arkansas Derby further cemented his status as the horse to watch. Despite drawing the challenging No. 1 post position, Renegade’s explosive acceleration and tactical versatility make him the heavy favorite to claim the coveted garland of roses.
2. Commandment, odds: 6-1
Commandment enters the Kentucky Derby with impressive momentum, having won four consecutive graded stakes races, including the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth Stakes. His latest triumph came in February’s Classic Derby, where he showcased his stamina over a 1-1/16 mile distance. A colt of exceptional breeding, Commandment is sired by Into Mischief and is out of a mare by Orb. With a proven track record against top competition and the backing of elite bloodlines, Commandment is viewed by many as a serious threat to capture the roses on Derby day.
3. Further Ado, odds: 6-1
Trained by Brad Cox, Further Ado stands out as a top contender in this year’s Run for the Roses. He is the son of Gun Runner, a champion stallion celebrated for his 12 career victories and title as Horse of the Year. Further Ado has already demonstrated his consistency on the track, winning three of his six starts and placing in the others. Notably, he excels on dirt surfaces.
4. Chief Wallabee, odds: 8-1
Chief Wallabee is guided by the accomplished duo of trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado, the same team that captured last year’s Kentucky Derby. This season, Chief Wallabee has shown consistent improvement across three starts, highlighted by a decisive victory at Gulfstream Park in January. Boasting an exceptional pedigree, he is sired by a multiple Grade 1 winner and hails from a dam with stakes-winning credentials.
5. The Puma, odds: 10-1
The Puma enters the Kentucky Derby as a long shot, having raced only three times this season. Despite limited experience, he turned heads with a strong runner-up finish in the Florida Derby, a key prep race for the Run for the Roses. In March, The Puma defied expectations by capturing a stakes victory at Tampa Bay Downs over 1-1/16 miles, closing speed against a competitive field. With his recent form and ability to outrun the odds, The Puma could prove to be a dark horse capable of shaking up the Derby landscape.
6. So Happy, odds: 15-1
So Happy has put together an impressive campaign this season, capturing three victories, including a standout performance in the Santa Anita Stakes. In that race, contested over 1 1/8 miles, So Happy defied 7-1 odds to outkick a competitive field. Although his accomplishments are noteworthy, So Happy is still considered a long shot in the Kentucky Derby due to the exceptional depth and quality of this year’s field.
7. Danon Bourbon, odds: 20-1
Danon Bourbon arrives at Churchill Downs, making his highly anticipated U.S. debut after an undefeated campaign in Japan. The colt has three consecutive victories, including a stakes-record performance. Danon Bourbon’s pedigree is equally impressive; he is the son of Maxfield, a champion who won eight of his eleven career starts and earned a reputation for resilience on the track. While Danon Bourbon’s accomplishments overseas are noteworthy, he faces significant questions as a long shot in the Kentucky Derby because he has never raced outside Japan and will be testing himself against the deepest field of his career, on unfamiliar dirt.
8. Incredibolt, odds: 20-1
Incredibolt brings solid credentials to the Kentucky Derby, having demonstrated consistency on dirt surfaces across his five career starts, with three victories. His most notable win came in March at the Virginia Derby, where he defied the odds to outlast a competitive field over 1 1/8 miles.
9: Silent Tactic, odds: 20-1
Silent Tactic arrives at the Kentucky Derby as a consistent and versatile performer, having raced six times with two victories and four straight top-two finishes. Among his wins are a competitive stakes triumph at Oaklawn Park and an impressive score at Woodbine on the all-weather surface. With a knack for rising to the occasion against tough fields, Silent Tactic could surprise many as he steps onto racing’s grandest stage.
10: Potenete, odds: 20-1
Potenete has won two of the three races he has entered this season. While he has demonstrated his ability to win, his limited experience could prove to be a significant challenge in the Kentucky Derby, making him a long shot to win the garland of roses.
When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can view the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock.
